Massive blackouts in Sulawesi jeopardise Jokowi’s EV sector push

Nickel is a key component in making lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles. - PHOTO: REUTERS

JAKARTA: Massive intermittent blackouts have plagued businesses and households on parts of Sulawesi island, as a prolonged drought has dried up reservoirs and slashed hydropower production, straining the power grid.

State utility PLN, which holds a national monopoly on electricity distribution, has been criticised for dragging its feet instead of deploying ready solutions to the electricity shortage.