Public Works Minister assures no potholes on western Pantura toll road 10 days before Eid

Karawang, West Java (ANTARA) – Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has assured that there will be no potholes on the national Pantai Utara (Pantura) highway in the western Java region by 10 days before Eid this year.

“The Head of the Large-Scale National Road Implementation Office (BBPJN) for Jakarta and West Java reported that there are still potholes at several points. The number has been reduced from approximately 7,000 potholes initially to around 2,500 remaining, but we are assuring that by 10 days before Eid there will be no potholes,” Dody said in Karawang, West Java on Saturday.

He added that road repairs using new asphalt overlay methods on the western Pantura national highway would require approximately two years to complete.

“Going forward, regarding the Pantura, perhaps at the end approximately 100 kilometres at the Brebes border, we will carry out an overlay using funds from the State Islamic Bond (SBSN). However, given the 100-kilometre stretch, it may take approximately two years. So we will handle the Pantura with even greater perfection,” he said.

To support smooth Eid exodus and return traffic in 2026, the Public Works Ministry is ensuring comprehensive preparedness on both toll roads and national highways.

For toll roads, there are currently 76 operational toll road sections totalling 3,115.98 kilometres, supported by 136 Rest and Service Areas (TIP). Additionally, there are 189 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU) and 539 toll gates.

He explained that the operational coordination post for Eid travel will be active from 13–29 March 2026 to coordinate all land, sea, air, and rail transport modes.

According to him, several precautionary measures have been prepared, including restrictions on the operation of three-axle and above cargo vehicles, except for vehicles transporting essential goods, fuel, and other essential needs in accordance with joint inter-ministerial decisions.

Additionally, the Transportation Ministry together with the Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas) will implement traffic engineering measures including contraflow systems, one-way systems, and odd-even number plate restrictions on several toll road sections that are expected to experience heavy congestion.