Bareskrim Dismantles BTS Module Theft Syndicate Causing Blackouts in Jakarta and West Java

The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police has successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in the theft and fencing of base transceiver station (BTS) modules operating across multiple regions. The criminal activity resulted in telecommunications disruptions for thousands of internet and cellular customers in Jakarta, Banten, and West Java. The case began with repeated reports from PT Smart XL Telecom Sejahtera regarding missing BTS modules, which caused network outages. Through a joint investigation involving the East Jakarta Metro Police and Ciracas Police, authorities analysed CCTV footage and tracked the perpetrators, who posed as official technicians using a black Toyota Avanza. The suspects exploited their knowledge and access as former network installation workers or vendors, using standard work tools to dismantle BTS modules without raising suspicion. Police arrested several key suspects, including AN and ASA as the executors of the theft, RR as a former installation technician who broke into a site in Kalisari, East Jakarta, and GA as a collector of stolen goods. An examination of AN revealed 11 suspicious banking transactions worth tens of millions of rupiah to RR. The syndicate is believed to be controlled by an international network, with stolen modules collected and shipped abroad under the direction of a foreign national with the initials Jason Zhang, who is suspected to be in Bangkok, Thailand. Further development of the case in Banten, based on a report from Taktakan Police, identified thefts at five different locations carried out by active vendor employees using a Daihatsu Sigra. A total of 15 modules were stolen and sold to a local fence identified as IG, also known as Kinoy, in Lebak, Banten, who is currently on the wanted list along with three other suspects from Jakarta. Police have seized 38 BTS modules of various types, mobile phones, identification documents, and operational vehicles. Material losses suffered by the telecommunications operator are estimated at Rp60 billion, with far greater immaterial losses to the public due to disrupted business and daily activities. The suspects are charged under Article 477 of the Criminal Code for aggravated theft and Article 591 for fencing. Bareskrim has pledged to continue pursuing the remaining fugitives, including fences in Karawang and Lebak, and to trace the international distribution chain to dismantle the black market for stolen state infrastructure.