Billboard Collapses in Bekasi, Suspected Caused by Drainage Project Excavation
Bekasi — A billboard approximately 10 metres high on Patriot Street in Jakasampurna, West Bekasi, near Kranji Market, collapsed on Friday 13 March 2026 at around 14:00 Western Indonesian Time.
The incident caused one shop unit near the location to sustain damage to its roof and walls after being struck by the collapsed billboard structure.
According to observation at the site, the incident also triggered traffic congestion extending approximately 1 kilometre in both directions on the road. The congestion occurred because the collapsed billboard frame stretched across the road, obstructing vehicular flow.
At the incident location, a drainage channel excavation project using the U-Ditch system has been ongoing for approximately one month.
Suroso, the drainage excavation project contractor, suspects the billboard collapse is related to excavation activities at the location, as well as billboard pole construction that he considers not to meet standards.
“The collapse resulted from the excavation process. Combined with the load of 16-inch pipe and a depth of only 1 metre without proper footings, this does not meet specifications,” Suroso told media representatives at the site on Friday.
He explained that the drainage excavation work was conducted manually. According to him, his team had actually coordinated with the billboard operator because the billboard pole appeared tilted before the incident.
Suroso stated that communication with the billboard operator had been conducted several days prior to the collapse.
However, according to him, the operator only removed advertising materials from the billboard without fully dismantling the pole.
Meanwhile, West Bekasi District Head Sudarsono said the billboard previously held a licence, but its validity expired at the end of 2025.
“The billboard was licensed. But it is currently vacant,” Sudarsono said.
He added that the billboard allegedly collapsed following heavy rain and strong winds that swept through the Bekasi area in the afternoon.
“It happened to rain and wind, then it collapsed immediately,” he said.