For Aesthetics, Telecommunication Cables in Ubud Buried Underground
Several points along the western side of Puri Agung Ubud, Jalan Suweta, Ubud Subdistrict, Gianyar, are being excavated. Bundles of telecommunication utility cables will be relocated underground to enhance the beauty and aesthetics of the Ubud area.
“Yes, digging holes for the relocation of utility networks. It’s called boring (drilling/digging holes),” said Maung, one of the workers, when met by detikBali on Monday (20/4/2026).
detikBali observations showed five points along the edge of Jalan Suweta being dug. The work is not using conventional drilling equipment but is done manually.
Dozens of workers are collaborating to dig holes at those five points. One project notification banner is installed on the palace wall.
Although there is a project along the roadside, traffic from both directions remains smooth. Tourists are still seen passing by as if undisturbed by the work.
“I can’t confirm when it will be completed because there might be anything under the hole (that could hinder the work),” said Maung.
The Regent of Gianyar, I Made Agus Mahayastra, stated that Ubud is a flagship tourism area. Therefore, tidiness and aesthetics on its roads need attention. One of them is by moving telecommunication cables underground.
“This is an initial step in realising a neater, safer, and more aesthetic spatial layout in the flagship tourism area,” said Mahayastra.
Mahayastra said the project work started today. It is fully funded independently by each provider. This arrangement is expected to reduce visual messiness, increase public safety, and strengthen the image of Ubud as a world-class tourist destination.
“The groundbreaking marks a joint commitment to organising utility infrastructure that has so far been dominated by overhead cables,” said Mahayastra.
The Chairman of the Bali Telecommunications Network Operators Association (APJATEL), Dodi Simanjutak, said that not only the cable bundles on Jalan Sueta but also those on Jalan Sri Wedari and Jalan Tirta Tawar will be buried underground.
“As an initial stage, the relocation is carried out as a pilot project on three road sections in Ubud Subdistrict,” explained Dodi.
Dodi said that besides relocating the cable bundles underground, the poles are also being arranged. One pole will be installed at each point where the cable bundles enter the ground.
From the service side, the relocation is ensured not to disrupt the telecommunication network because it has gone through a survey process, data validation, and technical planning together between APJATEL partners and the providers.
“This arrangement can improve community comfort and network users, while minimising work accidents and reducing pole maintenance costs by providers,” explained Dodi.