Setu Babakan Road in Ruins as Cars Refuse to Cross

JAKARTA — One of the road sections surrounding the reservoir in the Setu Babakan area, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, appears to be severely damaged. A Kompas.com observation at the location on Friday afternoon, 6 March 2026, showed the road surface pitted with potholes filled with rainwater mixed with soil. At the bend, the road surface had even turned to red earth, with some batako blocks still visible, providing access for motorists and pedestrians. The light rain that had been falling since morning has made the surface slick. Motorcycles only occasionally pass along the damaged road. When a teenager rode through on his motorcycle, he had to pause briefly to steer toward the side of the road that could still be passed. However, the rear tyre of the motorcycle briefly became lodged in one of the holes. He then revved the throttle harder to free the tyre before continuing his journey. Meanwhile, no four-wheeled vehicles were seen passing. When a car entered from the gate toward Depok, the driver appeared to turn back after seeing the road’s difficult conditions. According to local residents, the road has been damaged since November 2025. The surface, which was previously flat, has become stepped and pitted after frequent passage by construction vehicles involved in infrastructure projects around the area. One resident, Azhar (18), said heavy goods vehicles often pass along the road, especially at night.