Electricity Flow in Pekojan Jakbar Interrupted Due to Former PLN Technician Stealing Cable from the Switchyard

The suspect in the theft of PLN cables in Pekojan Jakbar/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - Three suspects in the theft of PLN electricity cables were arrested by members of the Tambora Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

The impact of the theft of the three perpetrators, the West Jakarta and North Jakarta areas often experience power supply disruptions.

Tambora Police Chief Kompol Muhammad Kukuh Islami said the suspects arrested were initials EM (49), AP (46), and N (41).

"This case was revealed starting from a report of a power outage received by PLN on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at around 13.00 WIB, on Jalan Pengukiran 4 RT 02 RW 02, Pekojan Village, Tambora District, West Jakarta," said the Police Chief, Tuesday, June 6, 2026.

After checking the location, PLN officers found that the electricity cable in the substation had disappeared for about 30 meters, with an estimated loss of Rp. 28 million.

The incident was then reported to the Tambora Police for investigation. Armed with the report, the Tambora Police Criminal Investigation Unit conducted a series of in-depth investigations by collecting witness statements and analyzing CCTV footage around the scene of the incident.

The results of the investigation led to the perpetrators who were then successfully secured in a different place.

"The suspects AP and N were secured in the East Duren Sawit Canal Flood (BKT) area, East Jakarta. Meanwhile, the suspect EM was secured at the Camat Raya Street Ball Field, Bekasi City, after trying to escape," he said.

From the results of the examination, the three suspects admitted that they had stolen electricity cables at eight PLN substations.

"The crime scene on Jalan Pengukiran 4 (loss of Rp28 million). The crime scene on Jalan Pademangan 2 Gang 8 (loss of Rp19 million). The crime scene on Jalan Wijaya Kusuma area Bank Mandiri (loss of Rp38 million). The crime scene on Jalan Kaliangke Pesing (loss of Rp19 million). The crime scene on Jalan Kapuk Pulo (loss of Rp19 million). Jalan Kapuk Poglar Gang Buntu (Rp38 million). Jalan Pakin Raya (loss of Rp15 million) and the crime scene on Jalan Muara Karang (loss of Rp19 million)," he said.

As a result of the perpetrator's actions, PLN is estimated to have suffered losses of up to IDR 220 million.

In fact, the impact of this theft not only causes material losses, but also causes a decrease in electricity power by up to 60 percent.

Then there is a power outage in a number of areas, where one substation can serve up to 500 customers.

In the action, the three perpetrators had a cunning modus operandi.

"They disguised themselves as PLN officers by using helmets and work equipment to avoid suspicion from the surrounding residents," he said.

In carrying out his actions, the suspect AP was tasked with overseeing the situation, while EM and N cut the power cable using special tools.

One of the suspects, N, is known to be a former PLN technician, while EM is a repeat offender for motorcycle theft.

The stolen cable was then sold for around Rp. 2.4 million, and was divided equally among the perpetrators, on the grounds of meeting daily living needs.

As a result of their actions, the three were charged with Article 363 of the Criminal Code concerning theft with a charge, with a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison.