DIY Government Speaks Out After Teenager Dies Hitting Pothole in Godean, Sleman
The Yogyakarta Special Region Office of Public Works, Housing, and Mineral and Energy Resources (DPUPESDM DIY) has expressed its condolences following the death of a teenager in an accident on Jalan Godean, Sleman. The incident is believed to have occurred after the victim struck a hole left by road repair works.
DPUPESDM DIY head Anna Rinna Herbranti said the agency would treat the incident as grounds for a serious evaluation of infrastructure works on provincial roads.
“DPUPESDM DIY conveys its deep sorrow over the passing of the victim following a traffic accident on Jalan Godean at kilometre 9,” Anna said in a written statement on Tuesday (28 July 2026).
Anna explained that Jalan Godean is a provincial road with the route name Demakijo-Kebon Agung 1. The hole at the location was part of works to repair a damaged cross drainage channel, which had also affected the asphalt surface layer.
According to Anna, once the channel was repaired, the site was backfilled with compacted aggregate before being covered with hot asphalt mixture (CAP). The asphalt covering was applied only after conditions were deemed to meet requirements, both in terms of compaction and confirmation that there was no other damage at the work site.
“Field identification shows that warning signs for the excavation or hole had been installed at the work location,” she said.
Nevertheless, Anna stressed that the agency would still evaluate the implementation of the works on the ground, including supervision of the contractor. Should the investigation find negligence that disregarded safety standards, DPUPESDM DIY will impose sanctions in accordance with regulations.
“If the final investigation proves there was fatal negligence related to the ignoring of safety SOPs, DPUPESDM DIY will impose sanctions in accordance with prevailing provisions,” she asserted.
As an immediate measure, DPUPESDM DIY scheduled the closure of all remaining holes along the Demakijo-Kebon Agung 1 route for today so the road is safe to traverse again.
In addition, the incident will serve as material for a comprehensive evaluation of all provincial road projects in Yogyakarta. DPUPESDM DIY has issued instructions to all service providers and contractors to implement the Zero Hazard Site principle.
The instructions cover improved mitigation of road safety risks around work sites, including the handling of unfinished construction, the provision of lighting, lane width management, and anticipation of disturbances along the road edge.
Contractors are also required to install additional lighting and reflective signs at every unfinished work point. Meanwhile, DPUPESDM DIY has urged road users to obey traffic signs and drive at the recommended speed, namely a maximum of 40 kilometres per hour on provincial road sections.
“DPUPESDM DIY is fully committed to prioritising public safety so that a similar incident does not happen again,” Anna explained.
As previously reported, a 17-year-old died in a single-vehicle traffic accident on Jalan Godean, Padukuhan Senuko, Kalurahan Sidoagung, Kapanewon Godean, Sleman Regency. The victim is believed to have lost control after crossing a potholed stretch of road.
Head of the Sleman Police Public Relations Section, Inspector Argo Anggoro, said the accident occurred on Monday (27 July) at around 23.15 Western Indonesia Time.
“The victim, with the initials F.Z.I. (17), male, a resident of Kalibawang, Kulon Progo, was riding a Honda Scoopy motorcycle,” Argo said when contacted by detikJogja on Tuesday (28 July).
Based on the crime scene examination, Argo said the motorcycle ridden by the victim is believed to have crossed the pothole and wobbled. The victim then lost control and fell.
“The vehicle is suspected to have crossed the pothole, causing it to wobble; the rider lost control and fell,” he said.
As a result of the accident, Argo said the victim suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene. The victim’s body was subsequently evacuated to the Forensic Unit of the Bhayangkara Hospital of the Yogyakarta Regional Police.
Beyond the loss of life, the accident also left the victim’s Honda Scoopy motorcycle damaged on the right-side body panel and right brake lever. Material losses are estimated at around Rp 500,000.
“Traffic Unit officers from Sleman Police, together with the Godean Police, have conducted the crime scene examination, secured evidence, and taken witness statements. The case is still under investigation,” he said.