Recurring road subsidence in East Jakarta suspected to be caused by suboptimal compaction
The East Jakarta City Government has stated that the recurring issue of road subsidence on several stretches of road is suspected to be the result of suboptimal material compaction processes, including inadequate handling of former utility excavations after work is completed.
“It is suspected that during the repair process, adequate heavy machinery was not utilised, leading to suboptimal compaction and paving results,” said Yogi Metropeni, Head of the Public Works Sub-group of the Development and Environment Division (PLH) of East Jakarta, in Jakarta on Monday.
These findings were made after the East Jakarta City Government conducted monitoring of several road points that had previously experienced damage and potential subsidence in the Makasar and Jatinegara districts. Yogi mentioned that his office is still supervising four locations that previously experienced damage, even though all have been repaired.
The four locations are Jalan Raya Pondok Gede in Lubang Buaya, two points on Jalan Raya TMII Pintu 1 in Pinang Ranti, and Jalan Raya Bekasi Timur in Jatinegara Kaum.
According to Yogi, monitoring results show indications that the quality of compaction during previous repair processes did not fully meet the technical requirements on the ground. He added that undulating road conditions in several locations serve as an indicator that the embankment structure beneath the road surface is not yet fully stable.
One such example can be found at the intersection of Jalan Raya Bekasi Timur and Jalan Jatinegara Kaum, which has undergone patching several times. Despite this, the road surface at that location still shows undulations, indicating shifting or subsidence of the underlying soil layers.
In line with this, the Head of the Road Construction Unit for Makasar District, Dodi Julianto, revealed that one of the most prominent cases occurred on Jalan Raya Pondok Gede, specifically in front of the Mess Kartika Patria Denma Mabesad. This point has been repaired three times because it experienced subsidence again after previous works were completed. The most recent repair was carried out on 2 June 2024, using hotmix and cold mix asphalt materials.
Over time, due to the high intensity of passing vehicles, the soil layer beneath the asphalt has subsided, causing the road to sink. The damage at that location previously reached a depth of approximately 50 centimetres, measuring about 3 metres by 1.5 metres, posing a potential danger to motorists if not addressed immediately. As a preventive measure, officers have provided markings using white spray paint around the monitored areas so that road users can increase their vigilance when passing through.
Dodi emphasised that the use of heavy machinery, such as finishers or asphalt pavers, is essential in road repair works, particularly at former utility excavation sites. Such equipment is capable of producing a smoother road surface while ensuring that the material compaction level meets technical standards.
In addition to addressing the subsided road points, the East Jakarta City Government continues to carry out comprehensive road infrastructure maintenance. In the Makasar district, 69 points of damaged roads have been recorded as repaired and are now in good condition. This includes two subsided points on Jalan Raya TMII Pintu 1 that were completed last week. Nevertheless, the monitoring process continues to ensure that the results of the work endure in the long term.