Disorganized cables along Jalan Krapu, Pademangan, frequently snag on container trucks
JAKARTA — The jumble of utility cables that dangle along Jalan Krapu in Pademangan, North Jakarta, has aroused complaints from residents who say they are frequently snagged by passing container trucks. The situation is seen as a hazard to drivers and nearby residents.
A Kompas.com observation on Friday 6 March 2026 showed a power pole in front of Stasiun Pompa Pasar Ikan leaning toward the roadway. The utility cables attached to the pole also looked untidy and tangled.
In addition, cables stretched down to the pavement. Residents even placed stones on top of the cables to stop them from obstructing pedestrians.
Local resident Arifin (43) said the cables that hung from the leaning pole had once become snagged by a container truck, causing the cables to snap. ‘Yes, it is dangerous indeed. There has been a snag before. Across there the cables were broken. Containers here are very tall,’ he said when approached at the location on Friday (6/3/2026).
According to Arifin, the condition is concerning given Jalan Krapu is often traversed by large vehicles. ‘Especially at night, when containers tend to drive close to the edge. I’m just worried that after that the pole gets pulled,’ he added.
Another resident, Pian (30), also admitted to frequently seeing vehicles nearly snagged by the cables hanging above the road. ‘Yesterday alone, when I saw a car come here it was about to snag, that’s why I told them to back up, the container,’ Pian said.
Besides the cables above the road, Pian is also worried about the cables dangling on the pavement as they could threaten pedestrians. He hopes the authorities promptly tidy up the cables and repair the pole so as not to endanger road users or residents.
‘TYes, we want that to be sorted out so it is safe,’ he added. Pian said the leaning electricity pole had been in that state for a long time and had never been repaired. ‘That pole has been like that for a long time. It is dangerous, leaning too far toward the road,’ he told Kompas.com on Friday near the location.
According to him, the tilt is likely caused by the pole’s age and the large number of cables attached, which increases the load. The high volume of container trucks along Jalan Krapu has residents worried that the dangling cables could snag passing vehicles.