Internet Firms Barred from Using PLN Poles Without Permission
PLN Watch has urged the government and law enforcement to take firm action against internet service providers that use PLN’s electricity poles without an official permit. KRT Tohom Purba, the chairman of PLN Watch, says electricity poles are strategic national assets, and any use for business purposes must comply with regulations and have an official permit.
‘Electricity poles are strategic assets of the state. Any utilisation for business purposes must obtain a permit and comply with administrative and financial obligations,’ he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Tohom argues that using electricity poles without permission not only risks reducing state revenue, but can also raise legal and safety issues. He notes that illegal internet cable installations have been found in various regions and have caused public concern because cables are installed without clear technical standards.
Cases highlighted include alleged illegal Wi‑Fi networks in Karangjeruk, the removal of internet cables in Panyabungan, and issues with messy cables in Rembang, Pandeglang, Tanjung Pinang, South Lampung and Batam.
Tohom says the prevalence of such practices demonstrates the need for tighter oversight of public infrastructure usage. He also urged a nationwide audit to ensure enforcement is not sporadic.
‘If allowed to continue, there will be a perception that state assets can be used freely without rules,’ he said.
In addition to visual disorder, installing cables without safety standards is seen as potentially triggering electric disturbances, short circuits, and workplace accidents. PLN Watch also emphasises that digital transformation must proceed in line with the law and the rules governing the use of state facilities.
According to Tohom, businesses that have complied with official procedures should not be disadvantaged by those who illegally use public facilities. Therefore PLN Watch is asking the Ministry of Communications and Digital, BP BUMN, local governments, and law enforcement to strengthen coordination to inventory and police the use of electricity poles across Indonesia.
PLN personnel and the Datun division of the Attorney General’s Office will also promptly disconnect illegal connections and seize the cables.
Komdigi has been urged to revise the Telecommunications Act. The regulation is seen as no longer relevant to current developments in the ISP business.