Heaptalk, Jakarta — PLN has expanded the number of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU) by 7.5 times in high-occupancy areas along the Trans-Sumatra and Java homecoming routes. Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Yuliot Tanjung explained that the government has predicted a fivefold surge in EV users during this year’s holiday season. As a result, PLN has been instructed to ensure the availability of SPKLU units.
“PLN has prepared a total of 3,558 SPKLU units across Indonesia, with 1,000 units located along the homecoming routes,” said Yuliot during the opening of the National ESDM Sector Post for Ramadan and Idulfitri 2025 at the BPH MIGAS office in Jakarta on Monday (17/03).
Yuliot added that the available SPKLU units have been technically adjusted to accommodate various charger plug types used by different EV manufacturers in Indonesia.
“From a technical standpoint, the SPKLU units are already compatible with the standards of electric vehicles available in the country,” Yuliot emphasized.
PLN’s President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, stated that the increase in EV travelers during this year’s Ramadan and Idulfitri period has been thoroughly anticipated, with preparations made from upstream to downstream. PLN has mapped out high-usage SPKLU points and increased their numbers accordingly.
“For example, travelers from Jakarta will likely charge their EVs in areas like Cirebon, Tegal, or Batang, which are approximately 200 to 250 kilometers apart. These are high-occupancy areas,” Darmawan explained.
Currently, PLN has provided 3,558 SPKLU units spread across 2,412 strategic locations nationwide and deployed 1,000 SPKLU units at 615 locations along the Trans-Sumatra and Java homecoming routes. Darmawan detailed that the placement of SPKLU units has been strategically planned, with stations available at every rest area along the Trans-Sumatra and Java toll roads.
“Every rest area is equipped with SPKLU, and the distance between stations is approximately 23 kilometers. For high-occupancy SPKLU locations, we have increased the number of units by 7.5 to 8 times,” he said.
Additionally, Darmawan urged travelers to utilize the Trip Planner feature on the PLN Mobile app to help plan their routes and locate SPKLU stations along their journey. This feature also provides real-time information on SPKLU occupancy levels.
Finally, Darmawan reminded the public that PLN has prepared emergency contacts for EV users who encounter issues during their travels. This includes 12 mobile SPKLU units stationed along the Sumatra and Java toll roads to assist EV users who run out of power.
“The PLN Mobile app includes an emergency button. Travelers can use this feature or contact the 123 Contact Center or WhatsApp at 087771112123. Our SPKLU teams along the homecoming routes in Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi are on standby 24/7,” Darmawan concluded.
