Bali’s Power Cable Upgrade Project to Begin in Ubud Tourism Resorts Bali is taking steps to address long-standing infrastructure concerns related to its overhead power cables, with the Gianyar Regency Government announcing a new initiative to convert utility lines to underground cables in key tourism areas of Ubud. The project aims to improve both public safety and the visual appeal of the region for residents and visitors. The Regent of Gianyar, I Made Mahayastra, confirmed the collaboration with the Association of Telecommunication Network Providers (Apjatel) to lead the upgrades. He stated that the initiative was his own and that he directed the Gianyar Regional Secretary, I Gusti Bagus Adi Widhya Utama, to coordinate the work with relevant regional agencies. Officials highlighted that moving cables underground would reduce visual clutter and minimize risks associated with fallen lines, such as live wires in public spaces and potential electrical fires. The effort is part of broader attempts to strengthen Ubud’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination by improving day-to-day conditions through better infrastructure. Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of such measures. On April 21, 2026, a pylon supporting live electrical cables collapsed along Jalan Labuan Sait in Uluwatu, raising renewed concerns about the safety of overhead power systems across the island. This followed wider disruptions earlier in the year, including a major blackout affecting large parts of Bali that was traced to a fault in the undersea power cable linking Java and Bali. While the current project focuses on Ubud, officials in Gianyar expressed hope that the progress would encourage similar actions in other southern tourism hubs facing comparable challenges with aging or exposed electrical infrastructure. No timeline for completion or specific budget details for the underground cabling initiative have been disclosed in the available official statements.
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