BTS Equipment Theft Disrupts Internet Access, Communications Minister Speaks Out

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has reported disruptions to telecommunications infrastructure caused by criminal acts, including cutting cables to sell them and stealing base transceiver station (BTS) equipment.

These acts can cut off internet access and disrupt public services in various regions.

Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid welcomed law enforcement efforts against the theft of BTS equipment, which affects telecommunications services.

“In principle, we are ready to collaborate and coordinate more intensively with the National Police, particularly under the leadership of the National Police Chief, Mr Suyudi,” she said at a press conference at National Police Headquarters on Tuesday (27 October 2026).

BTS tower theft cases

Several cases involving the theft of BTS tower equipment have come to light recently. Most recently, the Unit V Resmob team of the Tangerang City Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit uncovered a theft in which losses reached Rp481.6 million. A 37-year-old man identified by the initials DSA has been arrested.

The case began with a report of a BTS tower theft on Jalan Kampung Selapajang Jaya, Neglasari, Tangerang City.

During the theft, the suspect and an accomplice divided their roles. One stayed outside the fence to keep watch while the other removed equipment modules from the tower.

They reportedly claimed to be service-provider staff carrying out tower repairs, but could not produce a work order. The pair then panicked and fled in the car they had brought.

In July, the Banjar Police Criminal Investigation Unit also uncovered an alleged aggravated theft at a BTS tower in Cindai Alus village, Martapura district, Banjar regency. A man was arrested along with alleged stolen goods and a vehicle believed to have been used in the theft.

The incident took place on the evening of 20 July at a TBG tower on Jalan Pasar Cindai Alus, Cindai Alus village, Martapura district.