inp.polri.go.id - East Kutai. The swift action of the Joint Tiger Team from the East Kutai Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit and the North Sangatta Sector Police Criminal Investigation Unit uncovered a case of theft of copper cables belonging to PT PLN, which caused a power outage in the Dermaga Kenyamukan area of North Sangatta.
Two perpetrators, identified as JM (25) and NO (25), were apprehended when one of them was found on top of a power pole, allegedly intending to re-offend in the early hours of Monday (6/29/2026).
As a result of the arrest, officers confiscated evidence including copper cables weighing approximately 47 kilograms, a car used in the theft, and various tools suspected of being used to cut and remove the electrical cables.
East Kutai Sub-regional Police Chief, Superintendent Fauzan Arianto, emphasized that they will not tolerate criminals who disrupt public services, especially those who steal vital facilities such as the electricity network.
"PLN copper cable theft not only causes material losses but also directly impacts electricity services to the public. We will take firm action against any perpetrators who disrupt public facilities and will continue our investigation to uncover possible networks of receivers and other perpetrators," he explained on Tuesday (6/30/2026).
Fauzan also appreciated the swift response of personnel who acted immediately upon receiving public reports, resulting in the arrest of the two perpetrators and the evidence.
"We urge the public to continue to play an active role in providing information if they witness any suspicious activity. Synergy between the police and the public is key to maintaining security and protecting vital assets of mutual interest," he said.
For their actions, the two suspects are being charged under Article 477 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP), which relates to the crime of theft.
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