Jakarta Launches Massive Underground Utility Push to Clear Aerial Chaos
Reported by Dessy Suciati | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung conducted a field check on the utility network cleanup in Tebet, South Jakarta, Thursday (9/10), targeting thousands of kilometers of unsightly overhead wires slated for underground relocation.
We believe this carries a strong commercial upside
The project enforces Regional Regulation No. 8/2025, laying the groundwork for a modernized capital city free from hazardous wire clutter.
Beyond the Bina Marga Agency, the Jakarta administration is partnering with private firms to clean up 6,500 kilometers of tangled overhead wires.
Modernizing South Jakarta, Utility Network Overhaul Moves Forward on Jalan Soepomo“Bina Marga Agency is teaming up with private utility operators to push dangling aerial cables completely underground,” Pram expressed, Thursday (9/10).
Private sector backing, he emphasized, is essential to completing the citywide cleanup.
“We believe this carries a strong commercial upside. It turns underground relocation into a collective effort shared by all major stakeholders across Jakarta," he added.
The dangling wires consist of telecom and high-voltage power lines. On Jalan Dr. Soepomo, personnel have cleared all telecom cables underground, with power lines set to follow next.
“Telecom cables are done, but electrical infrastructure needs a bit more time,” he noted.
Aside that, Pramono has ordered city planners and state-owned firms to lay down a five-year master plan to completely remove overhead clutter.
Supporting this vision, Jakarta Bina Marga Agency Head, Heru Suwondo announced a Rp 90 billion rollout to clear 16.9 kilometers of dangling wires across 10 strategic routes.
Priority locations span key thoroughfares, including MT Haryono, Gatot Subroto, Dr. Soepomo, KH Abdullah Syafei, Dr. Saharjo, Pemuda, Otista, Tebet Barat Dalam Raya, Matraman Raya, and Jatinegara.
"Our Rp 90 billion investment will cover 16.9 kilometers of new underground channels,” Heru confirmed.
Work on the Soepomo area in Tebet is set to wrap up this December. City engineers are teaming up with traffic officials to reroute vehicles and minimize delays during construction.
