The Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS for Utilities Sector in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities
Rifqi Oktavianto (a*), Very Fernando (b)

a) Solution Engineering Department, Esri Indonesia, Indonesia
*roktavianto[at]esriindonesia.co.id
b) Information System and Technology Division, PT PLN (Persero), Indonesia

Abstract

The utilities sector, encompassing critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications, is fundamental to socio-economic development- however, in a geographically diverse and rapidly developing nation like Indonesia, managing and optimising these networks presents significant challenges, including vast service areas, complex topographies, and vulnerability to natural hazards. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer powerful tools for data acquisition, analysis, and visualisation, presenting key opportunities for utility providers to make informed decisions through applications such as precise infrastructure mapping, accurate asset management, optimising route selection, monitoring land use changes, identifying environmental risks, supporting disaster preparedness and response, and facilitating predictive maintenance to ensure operational continuity. Ultimately, the strategic integration of RS and GIS empowers Indonesian utility companies to overcome these challenges, achieving greater operational efficiency, reducing costs, improving service delivery, and enhancing network resilience against environmental and anthropogenic threats, highlighting successful implementations and identifying future avenues for leveraging these geospatial technologies to meet the growing demands of Indonesia^s utilities landscape and contribute to national development goals.

Keywords: Remote Sensing, GIS, Utilities Sector, Indonesia, Infrastructure

Topic: Topic B: Applications of Remote Sensing