The sight of tangled utility cables piled up above residential rooftops is a common occurrence in Jakarta.

However, these hanging and disorganized cables are not merely an eyesore—they also pose serious risks to public safety.

An urban planning observer from the University of Indonesia, Muh Azis Muslim, emphasized that the issue of utility cables in the capital must be addressed through a long-term approach, rather than temporary fixes.

“When we talk about messy cables in Jakarta, it is not just about aesthetics, beauty, or neatness. More importantly, this is about the safety and security of residents. That is the priority,” said Azis in an interview with Kompas.com via phone on Tuesday night (April 14, 2026).

According to Azis, there are several reasons why proper cable management has yet to become standard in Jakarta’s densely populated areas.

One of the main factors is legacy infrastructure resulting from rapid urban growth, which was not accompanied by integrated utility planning.

“We see various telecommunications providers, electricity networks, fiber optic cables, and other installations placed on different poles. In some cases, they are combined on electricity poles,” he explained.

In addition to infrastructure issues, the high cost of relocating cables underground or implementing ducting systems has also become a major challenge.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has, in fact, attempted to revive the Integrated Utility Network Infrastructure (SJUT) project.

Azis considers the initiative to move overhead cables underground to be a positive step, but stresses that it must be closely monitored to ensure sustainability.

The prolonged neglect of this issue without a permanent solution is also attributed to a lack of coordination among relevant institutions.

“For example, PLN has its own network, while various telecommunications operators and other providers also operate independently. This reflects fragmentation, lack of integration, and absence of collaboration, as each party tends to prioritize its own interests,” he said.

This situation is further exacerbated by weak law enforcement regarding illegal cables.

Government efforts to regulate non-compliant cables have so far been reactive and not consistently implemented.

In fact, the risks posed by disorganized cables in densely populated areas are extremely high, particularly the risk of fire.

“These cable clusters often exceed the load capacity of the poles. If a disruption occurs, it can trigger electrical short circuits, especially considering that in some areas, residents tend to use electricity beyond capacity,” Azis explained.

There is also a risk of traffic accidents due to cables hanging low over roads, endangering motorcyclists and potentially getting caught on taller vehicles such as trucks or buses.

“Moreover, these tangled cables can obstruct access for emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or tactical units during emergency situations,” he added.

To resolve this issue, Azis proposed several measures ranging from short-term to long-term solutions.

In the short term, the government should immediately raise and reorganize cables to prevent interference with and danger to passing vehicles.

“Law enforcement is also crucial by requiring operators to label each cable clearly. This way, unused or illegal cables will not be left hanging,” he said.

In the medium term, underground cable management or ducting systems can serve as a solution to improve cable organization in residential and main road areas.

This should be accompanied by strict sanctions for any network operators that violate regulations.

Meanwhile, in the long term, a gradual full relocation of cables underground is considered essential.

This aligns with the need to prepare globally standardized infrastructure following the implementation of the Special Region of Jakarta (DKJ) Law.

“Spatial planning revisions must require new areas or buildings to provide integrated utility networks connected to the provincial system, ensuring that no cables are left hanging overhead,” he concluded.

Azis also emphasized that improving fundamental infrastructure such as this ultimately depends on clear political commitment from the Jakarta Provincial Government to create a safer and more comfortable city.

Source: https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2026/04/15/11570861/kabel-semrawut-di-jakarta-bukan-cuma-masalah-estetika-tapi-soal-nyawa#google_vignette