- ABB and the Government of Indonesia collaborate to promote the importance of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in buildings, helping to enhance electrical safety nationwide
- Electrical faults, including leakage current and short circuits, caused 69 percent of Jakarta’s fires in 2024 – highlighting the urgent need for action
- New joint initiatives include educational campaigns, Expert Day events, and public outreach to raise awareness and improve access to life-saving safety technology
ABB and the Government of Indonesia have joined forces to advance electrical safety across the country by promoting the nationwide adoption of Residual Current Devices (RCDs). This partnership marks a critical step toward reducing fire risks, preventing accidents, and safeguarding both people and property through safer electrical systems.
Working in collaboration with the Directorate General of Electricity (Ditjen Gatrik – Direktorat Jenderal Ketenagalistrikan), part of Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the joint efforts center on a national awareness and education campaign to highlight the essential role of RCDs in modern electrical systems. At the same time, ESDM is drafting a ministerial regulation on the implementation of RCDs in low-voltage electrical installations, with initial deployment expected in government buildings before expanding to broader sectors.
Recent data from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Jakarta indicates that there were nearly 800 fire incidents in 2024 in the capital of Indonesia, of which 69 percent were attributed to electrical short circuits and leakage current (Source: Antara News). These figures underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures in both residential and commercial buildings.
To support the initiative, ABB and Ditjen Gatrik will deliver a nationwide program of awareness campaigns, technical training, and sector engagement. This includes outreach to installers, building operators, and the general public, as well as guidance on the importance of proper installation and maintenance of RCDs.
ABB’s RCDs are engineered to detect faults early and disconnect power instantly – helping to prevent electric shocks, reduce fire risk, and ensure reliable, high-performance protection. Built with advanced technology and tested to the highest global safety standards, ABB’s RCDs offer trusted protection for homes, buildings, and communities.
“Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to providing innovative technologies that protect people and property,” said Gerard Chan, President Director and Country Holding Officer (CHO) at ABB Indonesia. “Through this partnership, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of RCDs and make them a standard feature in every building across Indonesia.”
In line with ABB, Ditjen Gatrik emphasized that raising public awareness of the risks associated with electricity use is a crucial step in creating a safer environment.
“The public needs to understand the risks of electricity use, ranging from electric shocks to potential fires. RCDs provide protection against residual current hazards that can cause electrical accidents or damage to equipment,” said Bayu Nugroho, Acting Director of Electrical Engineering and Environment.
He added that the government has taken initial steps to raise awareness of RCDs adoption through extensive public outreach, particularly targeting public facilities such as markets, government buildings, and residential areas. This educational campaign is being carried out via social media and Ditjen Gatrik’s official website.
ABB and Ditjen Gatrik recently co-hosted an Expert Day, bringing together contractors, installers, developers, and building professionals. Taking place in Jakarta, the event spotlighted the importance of RCDs and the dangers of electrical faults. Expert speakers, including a fire officer, a medical professional, and a building specialist, shared insights and led deeper discussions. Additional activities include a focus group discussion and a visit to ABB’s factory in Bekasi.
This collaboration represents a pivotal step in strengthening Indonesia’s electrical safety standards. Together, ABB and the Government of Indonesia are working to make RCDs a required part of every electrical system – creating safer, more resilient homes and workplaces nationwide.
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ABB Electrification is a global technology leader enabling the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. With more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we collaborate with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. As the energy transition accelerates and electricity demands grow, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. At ABB, we are engineered to outrun, and we are passionate about helping our customers and partners do the same.
