PAM Jaya Manhole Cover in Pondok Gede Lifts, Traffic Temporarily Disrupted

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A manhole cover belonging to PAM Jaya on Jalan Raya Pondok Gede in East Jakarta lifted on Wednesday (25/3/2026) and went viral on social media. Based on a video uploaded by the Instagram account @info_pondokgede, the concrete manhole cover was seen lifted from its position. Traffic cones were placed around the location as markers to alert drivers to exercise caution while passing. Kompas.com observations at the site on Thursday (26/3/2026) showed several PAM Jaya technicians inspecting the manhole. Bambang, one of the PAM Jaya technicians, explained that the manhole lifted due to air pressure from within the system. “Yes, that’s the manhole. It was caused by its accessory containing an air valve. When there is air pressure, it pushes out and opens the air valve,” said Bambang when met on Thursday. He added that this phenomenon is normal, resulting from pressure in the chamber pushing upwards, making the manhole cover appear to move. Although it lifted and became viral on social media, Bambang assured that the manhole was in a safe condition.