Paid Rp 100,000, Scavenger in Makassar Helps Transport Stolen BTS Cables

Police have arrested a man with the initials SA, also known as A (38), in connection with the theft of cables and equipment from a base transceiver station (BTS) tower in Makassar, South Sulawesi. SA admitted that he only helped transport the stolen goods and was paid Rp100,000.

The theft occurred at a BTS tower on Jalan Sultan Alauddin, Rappocini District, Makassar, on 25 November 2025. South Sulawesi Regional Police subsequently arrested SA at his home on Jalan Kerung-kerung, Makassar, on Wednesday (5/8).

“The suspect has been secured and is believed to have played a role in helping transport the stolen goods. He is currently undergoing legal proceedings,” said South Sulawesi Regional Police Mobile Investigation Unit Head, Police Commissioner Wawan Suryadinata, to reporters on Wednesday (5/8).

Wawan said the theft came to light after the site owner reviewed CCTV footage showing someone entering the office area. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a number of cables and BTS tower equipment were missing.

“The missing items include 180 metres of power cable, a BTS rack, and six rolls of optical cable measuring 70 metres in total. The victim’s losses are estimated at Rp15 million,” he said.

During questioning, SA admitted that he was initially collecting scrap using a pedicab. Along the way, he met an acquaintance with the initials SJ, who asked for his help loading stolen cables onto a cart.

“The suspect admitted he only helped lift the cables onto his acquaintance’s cart while collecting scrap. After that, he left the location and resumed collecting scrap,” Wawan said.