Bali’s Dangerous & Ugly Power Cables To Be Tidied Up In Top Tourism Resorts

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Bali is making some pretty solid efforts to improve its infrastructure issues. While some may say that far more needs to be done, and quickly, like in the case of the island’s waste management issues, there are some problems that the island’s leaders are tackling in a timely manner, improving day-to-day life for both local residents and tourists. 

One of the basic infrastructure issues that is receiving attention right now is the longstanding problem of electrical cables. It only takes a quick glance upwards to see that Bali’s power cables are a bit of a mess, to say the least.

Not only are the tangles of cables unsightly, but they are also potentially very dangerous. It’s not uncommon for cables to fall, with live wires left hanging in the street, and even for electrical fires to break out. 

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The issue has been slowly being improved in areas like Canggu and Kuta, and now it is Ubud’s turn to untangle its wires.

This week, the Gianyar Regency Government has confirmed that it is collaborating with the Association of Telecommunication Network Providers (Apjatel) to convert overhead utility lines to underground cables, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of Ubud for tourists and local residents. 

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The Regent of Gianyar, I Made Mahayastra, told reporters that he took the initiative for the upgrades and quickly ordered Gianyar Regional Secretary I Gusti Bagus Adi Widhya Utama to lead the work together with the relevant regional apparatus.

He noted how, by putting cables underground rather than overhead, overall visual clutter will be reduced, and improved public safety, all of which will help strengthen Ubud’s image as a world-class tourist destination.

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Speaking to reporters, the Chairman of Apjatel Bali, Dodi Simanjuntak, explained that the relocation of the utility network aims to tidy up the messy fiber optic cables and reduce the number of poles along the roads.

This week’s work has focused on Jalan Suweta, Jalan Sri Wedari, and Jalan Tirta Tawar, with more to follow soon. He explained that by moving the cables underground, local communities will be able to use their streets to the full, without compromising on safety. 

Simanjuntak shared, “It is also hoped that the lowering of the cables will no longer disrupt traditional and religious activities such as the pelebon or ngaben, the installation of penjor, and the ogoh-ogoh parade, while also beautifying the appearance of the area.”

The Head of Ubud Village, Made Gian Nanda Suwitra, told reporters, “Hopefully, this can become a model for reducing the number of cables, resulting in a more organized and aesthetically pleasing environment.”

Adding “This is a step forward. We hope the program on these roads is successful and can serve as a model for other areas in Gianyar, ensuring a more organised and safe work environment for all.”

As Gianyar takes strides to improve the cabling in top tourism resorts in Ubud, there are hopes that the move will inspire leaders further down south to take quick and proactive action too.

On Tuesday, 21st April, a pylon holding live electrical cables fell along Jalan Labuan Sait in Uluwatu.

The pylon was brought down by a falling tree during heavy rains, and both the tree and cabling blocked the already perpetually congested road.

There were concerns for public safety as drivers had no option but to navigate around live mains cables during the rain.

The issue was resolved by the end of the day, but served as an all too timely reminder to leaders in Bali that basic infrastructure upgrades are essential, both in terms of public safety, but also the visual aesthetic the island depends upon for tourism success.