Endless Excavations in Kalideres Cause Congestion, Residents Baffled by Ongoing Delays

A PAM Jaya project to excavate for clean water pipes along Jalan Peta Selatan in Kalideres, West Jakarta, has drawn growing attention from residents and road users, who say the site is both confusing and exhausting to watch as the work drags on, left idle with no workers on site, and worsening congestion in the area.

Based on observations by Kompas.com at the location on Tuesday morning, 3 March 2026, there were five open excavation points on the left side of the road from Kalideres towards Pegadungan. The excavation sites occupy part of the carriageway and have been left wide open with large-diameter pipes visible inside.

However, not a single worker or official could be seen on or around the sites. There is confusion over whether the project is still ongoing or already finished, because the excavations have been left idle for almost a month.

“There was a labourer here eating earlier; he said it would be finished at the start of the year. But up to now it’s not finished, and it’s just been left with no one around,” Didit said when contacted by Kompas.com at the site.

The presence of five unworked excavations automatically narrows the road and causes congestion. Vehicles often have to pass alternately from opposing directions.

Moreover, Jalan Peta Selatan is frequently traversed by heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses. Didit said this route usually suffers severe traffic, particularly during school run times. He hopes the excavations will be completed gradually so the impact does not spread.

“Indeed, this area is a congested route. In my view, they should finish them one by one so as not to worsen the traffic,” he said.

The excavations that remain open often trigger new problems when heavy rainfall begins.