Worker Dies Installing Telecom Pole in Adonara

Harubala — Juliadi, 49, died after an electrical shock while installing a mobile-operator network pole in Harubala Village, Ile Boleng District, Flores Timur, on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

Juliadi was working with Muhamad Alfarid Rahman Coa and Yohanes Ogil Vie Goban to dig a hole for the pole.

The two colleagues lifted the pole into the hole while Juliadi held its end with his foot and a crowbar. When the pole was raised, its top touched an uninsulated electricity cable, according to Izaak’s account reported by detikBali and Ekorantt.com.

The electrical current caused part of Juliadi’s body to burn, and he died at the scene. His colleagues were unable to provide immediate assistance because of the continuing electrical hazard.

Police personnel and officers later took Juliadi to the Ile Boleng Community Health Centre for medical examination. Ekorantt.com reported injuries to his left arm, the back of his neck, right calf, right arm, left ribs and abdomen.

Why it matters

The death highlights the risks faced by workers installing telecommunications infrastructure near live electricity networks on Flores and its surrounding islands. The account also shows that pole-installation work can expose accompanying workers to electrical hazards when equipment contacts overhead cables.

Police secured several items as evidence, including the crowbar used to dig the hole, the telecommunications pole, Juliadi’s clothing and his sandals. The reports do not state any further police action or a timetable for the investigation.

Sources

• detikBali — established regional news organisation
• Ekorantt.com — regional news organisation