Many Potholes Still Present During Mudik Season, Government Deemed Negligent
BEKASI — Djoko Setijowarno, a public transport observer and adviser to the Indonesian Transport Society Council (MTI), has highlighted the condition of damaged and potholed roads across various areas in Bekasi City ahead of the 2026 Lebaran mudik season.
Djoko views this road deterioration as more than a technical issue, but rather as government negligence with direct consequences for public safety.
“This is clearly negligence. It means the state is absent. Without pressure, there is no repair,” said Djoko when confirmed by Kompas.com on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
According to Djoko, the condition of damaged roads is exacerbated by inadequate street lighting (PJU), thereby increasing accident risk, particularly at night.
He also highlighted the limitations of infrastructure budgets at both central and regional levels, which impact the pace of road repairs. Repair budgets are reportedly decreasing whilst road damage is worsening.
Djoko stressed that roads are vital infrastructure supporting national logistics distribution and regional economic growth. Good road access is said to increase asset value and open up isolated areas, enabling residents to more easily access healthcare, education, and economic centres.
However, the reality is that amid high rainfall and preparations for mudik, many roads remain in poor condition.
“This condition is not merely a technical issue, but a real obstacle that cripples economic and social activity for residents,” he stated.
Djoko highlighted weak enforcement of vehicle load limits and poor road maintenance that have created “fatal potholes”.
“There may be certain interests behind the neglect of road damage that results in the neglect of residents’ fundamental right to safety,” Djoko said.
Legally, Djoko explained that responsibility for road repairs is regulated under Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning Traffic and Road Transport (LLAJ) and Law No. 38 of 2004 concerning Roads, which was updated through Law No. 2 of 2022.
Under Article 24 of the LLAJ Law, road operators are obligated to repair damage immediately. If unable to do so, they must install warning signs.