Residents Complain About Wrong-Way Drivers on Bekasi Raya Road
Jakarta – Residents have lodged complaints about vehicles, particularly motorcycles, frequently driving against traffic on Bekasi Raya Road, specifically in the East Cakung area of East Jakarta’s Cakung district, causing traffic accidents.
“Driving against traffic has been happening for a long time; it’s not a new issue. Motorcycle drivers do it quite often. Yet it endangers other drivers who are correctly following their lanes,” said Hambali, 63, a local resident on Bekasi Raya Road in Cakung, East Jakarta, on Monday.
According to Hambali, the traffic violation is not uncommon. Nearly every day, motorcycle riders take the risk of driving against the flow to shorten their travel time.
Additionally, accidents caused by wrong-way driving occur regularly. The most frequent incidents involve collisions between motorcycles, with riders being struck by other vehicles due to the narrow space between them.
“Accidents happen frequently because of this. Motorcycles get hit and similar incidents. I often help when people fall,” Hambali said.
However, he noted that his good intentions to assist accident victims often result in confrontation.
“I frequently help people involved in accidents. It ends up in arguments. The drivers going against traffic become even more aggressive,” Hambali stated.
According to observations on Bekasi Raya Road, traffic flow on the route is congested, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
Two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles crowd the road, which serves as a connecting route from Bekasi and Pulogadung towards Priok. Many large trucks and vehicles also use the road.
Amid this congestion, several motorcycle riders are observed recklessly taking the opposing lane.
They take advantage of gaps between vehicles to pass, even though vehicles continue approaching from the opposite direction.
Drivers following the correct lanes are forced to slow their vehicles to avoid collisions.
Vehicle horns sound repeatedly when motorcycles from the opposite direction attempt to force their way into lanes not designated for them.
“Traffic officers are present and manage traffic, but not at all times. The moment officers are absent, riders start driving against traffic again,” said Fajar.
He added that the vehicle flow from Bekasi and Pulogadung towards Priok is particularly difficult to control.
Many drivers choose to drive against traffic to avoid the U-turn, which they consider too far.
Fajar expressed hope for stricter and sustained enforcement measures to reduce such violations, both through legal penalties and traffic engineering improvements.
“Without regular supervision and strict sanctions, the habit of driving against traffic will continue and endanger other road users,” Fajar said.