Rano Karno warnings 100-year-old PAM Jaya pipes heighten sinkhole risk in Jakarta

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com - Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has cited 100-year-old water pipes operated by PAM Jaya as a contributing factor to sinkhole incidents in Jakarta. He made the remarks following a sinkhole event on Lenteng Agung Road in South Jakarta, warning that similar occurrences could happen elsewhere due to the city’s aging underground infrastructure. Karno emphasised that century-old pipes are prone to damage, and urged transparency and public involvement in monitoring infrastructure. ‘I’m not one to hide things; we need transparency and public participation. Sinkholes could occur,’ he said. ‘This is why public awareness is crucial – it’s possible in multiple locations across Jakarta.’ The Jakarta Public WorksDepartment currently faces staffing shortages for optimal infrastructure monitoring, he added. Karno called for collaboration between government, citizens, and media to report potential hazards early and prevent larger incidents.