Bali, Indonesia – May 3, 2025 — A massive power outage plunged the entire island of Bali into darkness at approximately 4:00 PM local time on Friday, severely disrupting daily life and tourism operations.
The blackout, attributed to a suspected fault in the undersea Java-Bali transmission cable, caused major disruptions as traffic lights failed and congestion spread across key roadways during peak hours. Emergency services responded to multiple reports of traffic accidents as confusion and chaos overtook several of the island’s busiest highways.
State electricity provider PT PLN confirmed that power restoration is underway. PLN Bali Distribution Manager Wayan Eka Susana stated, “The recovery is being carried out in stages by officers in the field. We will provide updates as developments occur.” Investigations into the root cause of the outage are ongoing.
As of 7:50 PM local time, PLN announced that power had been restored to approximately 50% of the island. Updates are being provided on PLN Distribusi Bali’s official Instagram account.
Backup generators have been activated in some locations, and mobile networks remain operational. However, many areas—including Denpasar, South Kuta (Nusa Dua), and much of Gianyar Regency including Ubud—are still without electricity.
Despite the blackout, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport remains fully operational. In a written statement, airport authorities confirmed, “All departure and arrival processes are continuing. We are coordinating closely with relevant agencies and will monitor developments as they unfold.”
Tourists are urged to exercise caution if traveling, as street lighting and traffic signals remain out in many areas. Authorities recommend conserving mobile phone battery, staying indoors unless necessary, and keeping hydrated as warm evening temperatures persist.
Emergency services remain active. Key contact numbers for assistance include:
- Emergency Services: 112
- Bali Police: 110
- Tourist Police: (0361) 115 4
- Ambulance Services: 118
Travelers and residents are encouraged to follow official PLN updates via Instagram at @pln_distribusi_bali for the latest information.
