PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—The Pontianak city administration has begun reorganizing internet and fiber-optic cables along Ahmad Yani Road as part of a broader effort to improve public safety and reduce visual clutter across the provincial capital.

Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono led the first field operation on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The administration plans to extend the program gradually to other arterial roads and priority corridors.

“This is the first step. We are committed to keeping the city from looking untidy because of cables running everywhere,” Edi said.

The operation implements Mayor’s Circular No. 63/2026, which covers the control, reorganization and relocation of fiber-optic and overhead utility networks. The city enacted the circular on Oct. 13 after surveying cables installed in public spaces.

Officials found cables accumulating on the same poles, hanging at inconsistent heights or crossing close to roads, pavements and drainage channels. Some cable coils and connections also hung loosely above public areas.

The city began the operation after meeting internet service providers (ISPs) the previous week. Several providers attended the work on Ahmad Yani Road, meaning the administration did not carry out the initial cleanup without prior notice, according to the Pontianak.go.id.

Pontianak Communications and Informatics Office head Syamsul Akbar said a review of licensing records indicated that approximately seven local and national ISPs might not have completed the required permits.

The administration will contact the companies and give them about one week to organize their networks or complete the licensing process. If officials still identify unauthorized networks after the deadline, they may remove or disconnect the cables under applicable regulations.

Authorities will not remove properly licensed networks solely because they form part of the overhead system. Instead, field teams will tighten or reposition legal cables that sag, obstruct vehicles or restrict access to businesses.

The licensing authority will check business permits and the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office will monitor road and public infrastructure use. Providers need permission to install cables, poles or supporting equipment.

Residents may also report new cable or pole installations that appear suspicious. City officials will check whether the provider has obtained the necessary authorization.

For the longer term, Pontianak plans to place utility networks in underground ducts along roads where construction is technically possible. Shared poles may provide an alternative in neighborhoods where underground installation is impractical.

The city is preparing a utility-ducting master plan that could eventually integrate fiber-optic, electricity and clean-water infrastructure. Such a system could reduce repeated road excavation and simplify network maintenance.

The cleanup therefore marks the start of a continuing regulatory and infrastructure program rather than a one-day removal campaign. Its success will depend on accurate network mapping, consistent permit enforcement and cooperation from service providers without unnecessarily disrupting residents’ internet access.