Cable Theft Rises in Jatinegara, Public Works Department Strengthens Surveillance

The East Jakarta Public Works Department Task Force is strengthening surveillance at several high-risk locations following a rise in the theft of Public Street Lighting (PJU) cables in the Jatinegara area. “Moving forward, we must be more responsive in monitoring and handling such incidents to ensure that the resulting damage and losses do not escalate,” said Antoni Leonard Pasaribu, a member of the Jatinelar PJU Task Force, in East Jakarta on Tuesday.

This measure follows a series of cable theft cases that have disrupted street lighting functions and caused financial losses for the government. Recently, at least seven PJU panels have been reported as targets of theft across various locations in Jatinegara, including the Bidara Cina area, Jalan MT Haryono, Cipinang Cipedak (Komplek Jenderal), Otista 3, Jalan Cipinang Muara, and Jalan Pedati.

According to Antoni, the theft of PJU cables causes not only material losses due to damaged public facilities but also directly impacts public services. The loss of cables from lighting panels causes lights at several points to function sub-optimally, potentially disrupting community activities, particularly at night. This situation is a serious concern for the Jatinegara PJU Task Force, given that street lighting plays a vital role in supporting the safety and comfort of road users. Adequate lighting helps facilitate citizen mobility and can minimise the risk of accidents and security disturbances in the surrounding environment.

As a preventive measure, Antoni stated that they will increase the intensity of surveillance over street lighting assets, especially in locations previously targeted by thieves. Officers will also strengthen coordination with security forces and accelerate follow-up actions on every report received from the public. “Citizens are expected to report immediately to officers or authorities if they find suspicious activity around street lighting installations,” Antoni added.

Regarding the perpetrators, a suspect identified by the initials ARS (46), a resident of Pasar Lama Rantau, Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh Province, was apprehended on Monday afternoon. ARS is currently at the Jatinegara Police Sector headquarters undergoing further investigation. Police seized several pieces of evidence from the suspect, including a modified hammer, wire cutters, an aluminium bar approximately 1.30 metres long, and a cable about one metre in length. The stolen cables are 450mm copper cables commonly used for public street lighting networks. This type of cable has high economic value, with prices reaching approximately Rp500,000 per metre.