Tangled Poles and Cables: Karangasem Regional Council Urges Underground Network Construction

The presence of utility poles and provider cables at various locations has come under scrutiny by the Karangasem Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The tangled arrangement of these poles and cables is reportedly damaging the city’s aesthetic. Consequently, the Karangasem DPRD is pushing for the development of underground networks.

I Nyoman Sumadi, a member of Commission II of the Karangasem DPRD, is advocating for the construction of underground networks. He urged the Karangasem Regency Government to immediately prepare regulations and a telecommunications network arrangement plan to prevent the clutter of poles and provider cables from worsening.

“The government must prepare regulations regarding rules and spatial planning to address the issue of tangled poles and provider cables,” said Sumadi on Thursday (17/09/2026).

According to Sumadi, the arrangement of telecommunications networks does not need to be carried out entirely at once, as it requires significant time. The Karangasem Regency Government could begin by mapping locations with the highest density of poles and cables, particularly in urban areas.

“Perhaps the arrangement could start with urban areas first; the tangled cables and poles can be tidied up so that the city’s face looks more beautiful,” Sumadi remarked.

Sumadi also encouraged the creation of underground networks as a long-term solution. The Karangasem Regency Government could provide dedicated conduits to be used collectively by multiple providers.

“In urban spatial planning, the government must have a plan to create underground networks. All providers can be directed to install their networks there,” said Sumadi.

Sumadi requested that relevant agencies refrain from shifting responsibility when handling this issue. Even if the authority lies with the Bali Provincial Government, the Karangasem Regency Government must still maintain coordination.

In addition to regulation, Sumadi encouraged the formation of a cross-sector team to survey and organise provider networks. This team must also have a specific timeframe to ensure that the handling of the issue does not remain merely a discourse.

“The government must establish clear regulations and set a target for by which year this issue can be resolved,” Sumadi explained.