Jakarta blackouts hit key business districts

Jakarta had two major power outages in April, including one on April 23 that cut electricity for 2 to 4 hours after technical issues and supply disturbances at 13 main substations, according to state-owned power firm PLN. The blackout started around 10:25 a.m. and hit areas including Bendungan Hilir, Thamrin, Kuningan, Jagakarsa and Tebet.

The outages briefly disrupted MRT and LRT service, knocked out tap-to-pay at a Transjakarta station and caused traffic lights to fail. University admission tests and other operations were affected too, The Jakarta Post and ANTARA News reported.

Remote workers and expats in the affected zones

The outages reached business and residential areas where remote workers, expats and travelers often depend on steady power and internet. Central and South Jakarta saw the most visible disruption, including office and hotel districts in Thamrin and Kuningan.

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said teams were sent to electrical facilities to find the cause and authorities haven't ruled out substation replacement work. PLN said engineers were restoring supply in phases to keep the system stable.

Backup plans are the safest move

Remote workers in Jakarta may want a backup hotspot, a charged power bank and a coworking option with generator support before the next outage hits. The government is also under pressure to conserve energy, with civil servants now working from home one day a week in April as part of a separate national measure.

That policy is expected to save about Rp 65 trillion ($3.8 billion), with exemptions for essential sectors including health care, security, energy, water, food supply, transportation, logistics, trade and finance. Read our full Indonesia guide for the complete picture and check our nomad news for more updates.