Rano Karno Warns of Sinkhole Risk from Aging Infrastructure in Jakarta

Deputy Governor of Jakarta Rano Karno stated that sinkholes could still occur at various points in Jakarta. He cited the age of underground infrastructure, particularly water pipe networks, as a primary cause.

“Indeed, sinkholes could occur in multiple locations across Jakarta. I am very grateful to those assisting Jakarta in keeping us informed,” Rano said at Pos Bloc, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (30 May 2026), responding to a recent road collapse on Jalan Raya Lenteng Agung in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.

Rano acknowledged he does not wish to conceal infrastructure issues in Jakarta. He stressed the need for transparency and public involvement to detect problems early.

“I am someone who does not like to hide what needs to be communicated, so we require transparency and public participation,” he said.

He cited the age of Jakarta’s water pipe network, which is mostly very old. Rano admitted being surprised when PAM Jaya presented the age of the piping infrastructure.

“I was quite shocked when PAM Jaya, when it was still PD PAM, presented that the average age of Jakarta’s water pipes is around 100 years. You can imagine how fragile that would be,” he said.

Therefore, Rano believes the public should not be surprised if road collapses or sinkholes occur in Jakarta in the future. He noted similar phenomena have happened in major global cities.

“So don’t be surprised if Jakarta experiences such collapses, as Thailand has experienced them, Tokyo too, and Thailand even has an MRT beneath the sinkholes,” he added.

Nevertheless, Rano affirmed that the Jakarta Provincial Government will continue public awareness and monitoring of the city’s infrastructure. He also praised public reports on potential ground damage.

“As you know, our PJLP at Bina Marga is short by almost 3,000 staff, and recruitment is constrained,” he added.