Observers: Road Operators Could Face Criminal Penalties for Negligence in Repairing Damaged Roads

Bekasi — Unrepaired road damage ahead of the 2026 Eid exodus is not merely a matter of comfort but could potentially result in criminal prosecution.

Public transport observer and Advisory Council member of Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), Djoko Setijowarno, emphasised that road repair responsibilities are regulated under Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Road Transportation (LLAJ) and Law No. 38 of 2004 on Roads, updated through Law No. 2 of 2022.

“Under Article 24 of Law No. 22 of 2009 LLAJ, road operators are obligated to immediately repair damage. If unable to do so, they must install warning signs,” said Djoko when contacted on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

“Legal sanctions are imposed based on the impact caused,” added Djoko.

For cases of minor injuries or vehicle damage, operators can face maximum imprisonment of six months or fines up to 12 million rupiah. If causing serious injury, penalties increase to one year imprisonment or maximum fines of 24 million rupiah.

If negligence results in fatalities, road operators face imprisonment up to five years or maximum fines of 120 million rupiah.

“Even if no accident has yet occurred, operators who fail to place warning signs on damaged roads can still face maximum six months imprisonment or fines of 1.5 million rupiah,” Djoko explained.

Djoko added that road repair responsibilities are divided according to road status. National roads fall under the Ministry of Public Works, provincial roads are managed by governors, whilst district and municipal roads are the responsibility of regents or mayors.

“The public should understand road status before reporting to ensure complaints reach the correct authority,” he said.

Moreover, Djoko emphasised that the law also imposes sanctions on those who damage roads.

“Article 28 prohibits anyone from damaging or disrupting the function of roads and their facilities,” he explained.

In the field, road damage remains visible on Jalan HM Joyo Martono, Margahayu Village, East Bekasi District, Bekasi City, amid increasing vehicle volumes ahead of the exodus.

Several sections of the road show potholes, despite previous repairs by Bekasi City Government through the Department of Roads and Water Resources (DBMSDA).

Dandy (40), a local resident, stated that repairs were conducted through temporary patching methods, but did not last long.

However, Sub-Coordinator of Road Maintenance at Bekasi City’s DBMSDA, Ridwan Muarief, previously assured that mudik route repairs had been completed.

“Everything is finished now. Our target was to complete everything seven days before Eid,” said Ridwan when contacted on Friday (13 March 2026).