Public Works Minister Ensures Western Pantura Route Will Be Pothole-Free Before Eid Holiday

Karawang — Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has assured readiness of the Pantura (North Coast) Java route to handle the 2026 Eid exodus, with the western Pantura section achieving 97 per cent structural integrity to guarantee safety and comfort for millions of travellers.

“Yesterday there were reportedly around 7,000 potholes, now sharply reduced to 2,500. We will ensure that before the exodus period, nearly all of them are pothole-free,” said Dody during an inspection of the Pantura route on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Despite focusing on rapid repair (patching) for the holiday period, Dody acknowledged that road damage on Pantura is repetitive due to vehicles exceeding weight capacity. Over Dimension Over Load (ODOL) vehicles are cited as the primary factor in rapid asphalt degradation.

To address this, the Public Works Ministry is preparing an overlay programme (resurfacing) and use of concrete construction (rigid pavement) at critical points, particularly along the 100-kilometre road segment approaching the Central Java border.

Beyond road infrastructure, Dody emphasised the importance of river mouth normalisation along the western Pantura route, such as the Citarum, Ciliwung and Cisadane waterways. He stressed that road improvements would be futile if drainage is blocked and river mouths experience silting that triggers tidal or rainwater flooding.

Dody plans to increase operational budgets for river management authorities to accelerate sediment clearance and construction of jetties or silt barrier embankments. “The key is the river mouth. If the mouth is wide open and water flows strongly, sediment will be discharged to sea. We are preparing pumps at flood-prone points and building joint posts between road and water teams so that if flooding occurs, we can quickly remove the water,” Dody stated firmly.

He also requested the public to actively maintain drainage cleanliness in front of their residences or businesses to prevent water flow obstruction.

“My task is to ensure this road is fit, safe and pleasant for the public. I want travellers to feel comfortable. If tired, rest immediately at the posts we have provided with other ministries,” he concluded.