The Indonesian Telecommunication Network Providers Association (Apjatel) warned that a lawsuit delaying a fiber optic cable relocation project in South Jakarta could trigger widespread telecommunication disruptions (15/09).

The project on Jalan Kuningan Barat Raya is subject to Unlawful Act lawsuit No. 939/Pdt.G/2026/PN.Jkt.Sel filed by Budianto Tahapary against PT Planet Harapan Penuh Energy, with Bina Marga and Apjatel listed as Co-Defendants.

Jalan Kuningan Barat Raya serves as a core hub housing main fiber optic cables from nearly all telecommunication operators.

Service interruptions risk affecting daily public activities including work, learning, communication, healthcare access, and economic functions.

Apjatel supports the Jakarta Provincial Government's city planning goals while emphasizing that regulation execution must protect service reliability.

"Apjatel obeys and respects all policies and regulations issued by the Jakarta Provincial Government, but we are also obligated to ensure that the implementation of these policies and regulations does not sacrifice the public's right to reliable telecommunication services and telecommunication business continuity," Apjatel said.

The association maintained that urban management and service continuity must be balanced together rather than treated as opposing goals.

"Urban planning and the continuity of telecommunication services are not two conflicting interests, but rather two matters that must find a middle ground together," Apjatel stated.

Apjatel Clarifies Role and Rejects Oversight Negligence Claims

Apjatel acts as Co-Defendant II in the case and holds no authority to select contractors, stop work, or make spatial planning decisions.

The Jakarta Provincial Public Works Department (Dinas Bina Marga) holds sole authority as the employer to appoint project contractors.

Apjatel denied claims of supervisory neglect, stating it has carried out oversight and provided technical recommendations to members per its organizational rules and laws.

Plaintiff Authority Questioned Following Failed Court Mediation

Apjatel questioned the plaintiff's legal standing to demand a work stoppage since the plaintiff is not a landowner or authorized local official.

During court mediation at the South Jakarta District Court on September 8, 2026, the plaintiff failed to explain the legal basis for stopping the work.

The plaintiff then refused to present a prepared settlement proposal and left the mediation room.

Lawsuit Risks Infrastructure Delay and Public Impact

Apjatel stated the lawsuit lacks legal grounds and threatens public interests if it halts telecommunication infrastructure development.

The association will respect ongoing legal proceedings while communicating with stakeholders to balance government, industry, and public needs.

Court proceedings for Case No. 939/Pdt.G/2026/PN.Jkt.Sel are ongoing following the unresolved mediation session.

PHOTO: MAGNIFIC

This article was created with AI assistance.

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