Jakarta Residents Complain of Potholed Roads: Vehicles Easily Damaged, High Accident Risk
Jakarta residents, particularly motorcyclists, are expressing serious concerns about the condition of roads riddled with potholes, which frequently cause vehicle damage and pose significant accident risks.
Dedi, a 40-year-old motorcycle rider who regularly travels through the Pancoran, Cawang, and Tebet areas, highlighted the problems he encounters. “It has a lot of impact, especially the front part feels really bad. Whether it’s the steering wheel, the wheel rim, or even a burst tyre,” Dedi said when met by Kompas.com on Jalan MT Haryono on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Damage often occurs when riders are travelling at speed and do not have time to spot potholes in the road. “I hit potholes frequently. When you’re on a motorcycle behind a car, you don’t have time to brake. Bang, it hits really hard,” he added.
The situation becomes increasingly dangerous during rainy nights, as lighting on Jalan MT Haryono is quite minimal. Dedi has urged the authorities to repair the roads for the sake of public safety. “The main thing is the road material — if possible, it should be improved,” he said.
Motorcyclist AR, aged 28, failed to notice a pothole concealed by rainwater during a downpour. “He allegedly entered a pothole hidden by water accumulation, resulting in a single-vehicle accident,” explained AKBP Ojo Ruslani, Deputy Director of Traffic Law Enforcement at Metro Jaya Police, on Monday, 9 March 2026.
AR sustained cuts to his forehead, chin, and feet as a result. His motorcycle also suffered damage, including a cracked headlight, bent handlebars, and a broken body panel.
A spokesperson emphasised the need for regular field supervision and careful attention to asphalt quality and repair implementation to ensure the best results. They stressed that the government should prioritise road quality across all of Jakarta, not merely in central business districts such as Sudirman-Thamrin. “Because Jakarta is quite large, it is not only Sudirman-Thamrin that should be given attention and taken pride in,” they asserted.