Bali Faces Widespread Power Blackout as Island Enters Darkness
Bali, Indonesia – May 2, 2025
Bali, the renowned tourist destination, has been thrust into a state of disruption following a total power outage that struck the island on Friday afternoon. The power cut, which occurred at approximately 4 p.m., affected local residents and tourists alike, sending many into a state of confusion as they navigated the consequences of the blackout.
Immediate Impact of the Blackout
In the wake of the blackout, while some areas activated backup generators, the overarching atmosphere remained one of uncertainty. Mobile communications continued to function, but the national electric provider, PT PLN, alerted the public that the restoration of normal power service could take a significant amount of time.
Wayan Eka Susana, the manager of PT PLN, addressed the media, stating, “Currently the recovery is being carried out in stages by officers in the field. We will provide information on developments periodically.” The company confirmed that investigations are underway to identify the cause of the outage, with preliminary reports suggesting a fault in the Java-Bali transfer cable as a possible culprit.
Progress Toward Restoration
As updates emerged, PLN Bali reported that by 7:45 p.m. local time, electricity had been restored to approximately 50% of the island. Through their official Instagram account, they urged residents and visitors to continue monitoring updates as efforts to restore power progressed.
Traffic, however, faced significant disruption. The blackout coincided with the Friday evening rush hour, resulting in chaos on Bali’s busy highways. The failure of traffic signals contributed to congestion and reports of collisions, complicating travel in densely populated areas.
Airport Operations Uninterrupted
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s primary gateway, issued a statement assuring travelers that flights were still operating on schedule despite the widespread power failure. The airport acknowledged the disruption caused by the outage but reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all departure and arrival processes continued systematically. “We remain committed to providing the best possible service during this situation and continue to coordinate with the relevant authorities to closely monitor further developments,” the statement emphasized.
Areas Most Affected
As efforts to restore power continued, several of Bali’s key tourism areas, including parts of Denpasar, South Kuta (including Nusa Dua), and Gianyar Regency, which features popular destinations like Ubud, remained in darkness. Government officials have yet to release statements addressing the matter, leaving tourists and residents to adapt to the circumstances.
Travelers in Bali are advised to exercise increased caution while driving due to non-functional traffic lights and street lighting. PLN continues to advise residents and tourists to conserve phone battery life, remain calm, and avoid unnecessary travel. In light of warm temperatures prevailing throughout the evening, visitors have also been reminded to stay hydrated.
Emergency Services and Support
Emergency services on the island remain operational, encouraging those in need to contact their accommodation providers for assistance. For urgent matters, the emergency service number in Indonesia is 112, while Bali’s police can be reached at 110, with special tourist police available at (0361 115 4). Ambulance services are accessible via 118. Authorities and stakeholders are expected to provide updates as the situation evolves, and residents and visitors alike are urged to stay informed through PLN’s official channels.
As recovery efforts continue, the situation remains fluid as Bali grapples with the effects of this unusual blackout, underlining the importance of resilience in moments of unforeseen challenges. Further details will be issued as they become available.
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