Jembrana Resident's Throat Slashed by Dangling WiFi Cable, Vocal Cords Torn

The chaos of internet network cabling in Jembrana, Bali, has claimed another victim. A man from Banyubiru Village, Negara District, identified by the initials HRS (20), sustained serious neck injuries after being snagged by a dangling WiFi provider cable on a public road. HRS had to undergo major surgery at Prof Ngoerah Central General Hospital in Denpasar. Distressingly, because he could not afford the general patient medical costs of Rp 45 million, the victim’s identity card is still being held by the hospital. Chairman of Commission II of the Jembrana Regional House of Representatives, I Ketut Suastika, known as Cohok, said the incident involving the provider’s cable occurred around two months ago. It came to light after he received a direct report from the victim. “This morning we checked the location with the relevant agencies and the victim. The victim suffered severe injuries to the neck, tearing his vocal cords. He still has a hospital debt of up to Rp 45 million,” Cohok stated. Cohok recounted that the incident took place on the national road west of Melaya 2 State Junior High School. HRS immediately reported the matter to the local police sector, but the case was never handled. As a result, the victim’s BPJS Health claim could not be processed, forcing him to use the general patient route. “Next week the victim must undergo another operation. The cable that snagged him was an I Porte type. The cable is still in the ditch, cut by local residents who feared there would be other victims,” Cohok explained. HRS met with Cohok and the Head of the Jembrana Communication and Informatics Agency because he was confused about how to pay for the follow-up surgery. Cohok stressed that the main concern is not only the victim’s medical expenses but also the rampant practice of providers installing cables haphazardly, endangering road users. “I urge the public who find dangling or dangerous cables to immediately report them to the village government or relevant authorities so they can be dealt with promptly,” Cohok asserted. He also expressed regret over the lack of good faith and responsibility from the provider. The Jembrana Regency Government is now drafting a regional regulation to regulate the utility cable network. “If they are not tidied up and continue to ignore public safety, we will coordinate with law enforcement officials,” Cohok warned. The Head of the Jembrana Communication and Informatics Agency, I Made Cipta Wahyudi, admitted that there are currently no specific rules binding providers in the region. “When problems arise, our agency is always the one sought out. Yet, there is no rule requiring providers to seek permission from us when installing internet networks,” Cipta explained. The agency is currently drafting an initial regulatory framework in the form of a circular and conducting a re-inventory of all providers and pole locations. Regarding the incident, Cipta confirmed that his team has visited the Melaya site to survey and track down the cable owner. “We have sent a letter to the relevant provider and are currently coordinating with the Public Works Agency to ensure the legality of the pole installation. The team is also still checking on the provider in question,” Cipta clarified.