Cable Excavation In Jakarta Not Yet Finished, Pramono Argues It Is Not Abracadabra Program

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung (Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung admitted that the cable excavation project under the Integrated Utility Network Facility (SJUT) program in Jakarta cannot be completed anytime soon.

According to Pramono, the project to move overhead cables, both electricity and telecommunications cables, underground is necessary to reduce the city's clutter and requires significant costs. However, the excavation will narrow roads, which will lead to traffic congestion.

"So, the SJUT to install cables underground is not a magic bullet program because the costs are quite high," Pramono told reporters on Thursday, July 31.

Therefore, the work will be carried out in stages. The Jakarta Provincial Government has assigned two regional-owned enterprises (BUMDs) to the SJUT project: Perumda Pembangunan Sarana Jaya and PT Jakarta Propertindo.

The SJUT implementation is currently focused on South Jakarta and East Jakarta, considering the high density of overhead cable lines in these areas.

"Currently, the work is being done in South Jakarta, particularly in Kebayoran Baru and other areas, and it's being done in stages. But we're already working hard to reduce the burden," Pramono explained.

For your information, the Jakarta Public Works Agency (Bina Marga) is targeting the removal of 90 kilometers of overhead cables through an integrated utility improvement project.

By the end of 2024, 209 kilometers of overhead cables will have been cleared from the Jakarta area. These cables have been moved underground.

"The relocation of overhead cables underground is carried out in accordance with Gubernatorial Regulation Number 10 of 2025, specifically if they are impacted by development by the central or regional government," said Syamsul Bakhri, Head of the City Utilities Infrastructure and Facilities Division of the Jakarta Public Works Agency.