Central Java Residents Often Complain About Damaged Roads, Governor Ahmad Luthfi Blames Rain

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has acknowledged a high volume of public complaints regarding damaged roads across the province, attributing the deterioration primarily to an extended rainy season. Speaking during a plenary meeting at the Central Java Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) office, Luthfi stated that the province’s road stability rate had fallen from 94.4 percent in 2025 to 84 percent in 2026. He explained that the main culprit was the year-long duration of heavy rainfall, noting that roads tend to remain smooth if they are not frequently soaked and inundated by rainwater. The Governor expressed a desire to anticipate the potential for viral social media posts about damaged roads but stressed that public complaints cannot be addressed immediately, as the process requires budgeting, tendering, and prioritisation. To tackle the issue, the provincial government has increased the road repair budget by Rp200 billion, with the aim of restoring the stability rate to 94 percent. Luthfi stated that the additional funds would be used to repair roads in several areas, including Wonogiri, Rembang, and Blora, prioritising routes that can foster new economic growth and border roads that serve as the province’s showcase.