Ministry of Public Works Ensures Western North Coast Highway Pothole-Free by Eid Holiday
JAKARTA — Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo has assured that all potholes on the national North Coast (Pantura) highway in western Java will be eliminated by 10 days before Eid 2026. During an inspection in Karawang, West Java on Saturday, Dody stated that repair progress has been significant.
“The Head of the Jakarta-West Java Regional Road Authority reported that from approximately 7,000 potholes initially, only 2,500 remain. We guarantee there will be no potholes by 10 days before Eid,” he stated.
For long-term management, particularly along the final 100 kilometres towards Brebes, the Ministry of Public Works will carry out asphalt overlay repairs using Islamic State Securities (SBSN) funding, though the process will take approximately two years given the severely deteriorated road conditions.
In the Parung area of Bogor, West Java, repairs to the national road from Pasar Parung to Kemang are targeted for completion within 1–2 months. “Yesterday there were still many patches here and there that were imperfect. We are trying to speed things up, although the main challenge is rainy weather that forces temporary stoppages to ensure repair quality lasts,” Dody said in Parung on Saturday.
He instructed the Jakarta-West Java Regional Road Authority not merely to patch but to repair road contours smoothly from the starting point to Pasar Parung for driver comfort and safety. “These repairs hinder public movement, so we are accelerating them,” he added.
To support smooth Eid exodus and return traffic in 2026, the Ministry of Public Works is ensuring motorway and national road readiness. Currently, 76 toll road sections are operating spanning 3,115.98 kilometres, supported by 136 rest areas, 189 electric vehicle charging stations, and 539 toll gates.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi predicts approximately 144 million people will travel during the 2026 Eid exodus based on national surveys. Transport operation posts will operate from 13–29 March 2026, coordinating all transportation modes. Contingencies include restricting three-axle and above freight vehicles (except basic commodities, fuel, and essential supplies per inter-ministerial guidelines), as well as traffic engineering measures such as contraflow, one-way, and odd-even vehicle restrictions on congested toll sections.