Kebon Sirih Road Repairs Cause Severe Congestion, Completion Expected by September

A number of road users have complained that traffic congestion on Jalan Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, has worsened since repair works began last week, leaving only two of the three lanes open to traffic. One commuter, Diah (31), said the gridlock had become severe since the roadworks started. ‘I usually pass through Kebon Sirih, but now it is better to detour via Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan. The traffic is terrible,’ she said on Monday (20/7/2026). Another road user, Arya (28), noted that the congestion was particularly bad on weekends. ‘Last Friday it was really jammed, because many people pass through there but there are roadworks,’ he said.

The DKI Jakarta Bina Marga Agency is currently carrying out road improvement works on Jalan Kebon Sirih as part of efforts to make the infrastructure stronger, safer, and more comfortable for the public. Siti Dinarwenny, Head of the agency’s Data and Information Centre, confirmed that the works began on Tuesday (9/7/2026) and are targeted for completion by September 2026. The 345-metre upgrade stretches from Wisma Penta to the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) building. ‘The improvement of Jalan Kebon Sirih is part of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s commitment to maintaining road infrastructure quality to ensure safety and comfort, supporting public mobility as well as government and economic activities in the city centre,’ she said.

Dinarwenny explained that the works are being carried out in phases, lane by lane, to minimise the impact on traffic flow. The first phase is currently underway on the middle lane of Jalan Kebon Sirih.