APJATEL Reveals Difficulties in Holding Telecommunications Networks in Surabaya, This is the Cause

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – In a public discussion entitled ‘Surabaya is not a smart city, isn’t it dangerous?’ which was held recently, Chairman of the Telecommunications Network Operators Association (APJATEL) Jerry Mangasas Swandy, revealed the difficulty of deploying a telecommunications network in the city of Surabaya.

He explained that the obstacles to deploying a telecommunications network in the City of Heroes were caused by Regional Regulation 5 of 2017 concerning the Implementation of Utility Networks and Perwali 80 of 2016 concerning the Formula for BMD Rental Rates in the Form of Land and/Buildings as amended by Perwali 1 of 2022.

“At that time, Mayor Tri Rismaharini wanted additional Regional Original Income (PAD) in the form of imposing land leases for the construction of telecommunications networks in the City of Surabaya. This policy was contrary to Law 28 of 2009 which states that land does not change the function of the land, such as planting/stretching power cables/ telephones on public roads are excluded from the utilization of regional assets, so they cannot be subject to land rent,” said Jerry, quoted Tuesday (4/7/2023).

He considered that currently telecommunications is the primary need for the community to be connected, where the Mayor should have the same paradigm that telecommunications is a basic need.

“As a result of the Perda and Perwali, not all areas in Surabaya have broadband infrastructure at the moment,” Jerry added.

As a result of these Perda and Perwali, said Jerry, many APJATEL members’ telecommunications networks have been forcibly cut off by the Surabaya City Satpol PP.

In fact, all telecommunications network operators who are members of APJATEL will comply with the rules made by the government, both central and regional.

“This regional regulation allows the City Government to do nothing, but can get PAD. Of course this sets a bad precedent for deploying telecommunication infrastructure in the city of Surabaya. Previously when Mayor Risma, Surabaya had received the title of smart city. But now Surabaya is not included. Surabaya should not be included Becoming a smart city is Mayor Eri’s evaluation material,” Jerry explained.