South Waduk Pluit Road Elevation Difference Causes Vehicles to Scrape Against Asphalt

Jakarta — The elevation difference along Jalan Waduk Pluit Selatan, Penjaringan, North Jakarta frequently causes vehicle underbodies to scrape against the asphalt surface, or “gasruk” as locals term it.

A nearby resident, Syauqi (24), stated that vehicles passing through the section with differing heights almost certainly experience scraping. “Even sedans like this sometimes scrape. That’s why people are hesitant to drive through,” Syauqi told Kompas.com on Friday, 27 February 2026.

According to Syauqi, the scraping frequently leaves marks on the asphalt surface. The collision between vehicle underbodies and the road often produces a loud, squealing noise.

Another resident, Geral (30), added that typically only large vehicles dare traverse the road without concern for scraping. “Only big cars are brave enough,” he said.

Due to the elevation difference, he noted that accidents occur regularly on the road. “If you ask me, it could be more than once a week. It’s crowded near the reservoir anyway. Especially young people—when they drive through fast and possibly drunk, they crash,” he explained.

Geral, who trades in the area, hopes the road will be permanently repaired soon to prevent continued casualties. “I hope it really gets fixed. It’s a shame people keep crashing,” he added.

Kompas.com has attempted to obtain a response from Budi Cahyo Wardoyo, Head of the Road, Bridge and Road Facilities Section of the North Jakarta Road and Bridge Service (SDBM). However, no response had been received at the time of publication.

Jalan Waduk Pluit Selatan, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, shows considerable damage. The road surface appears slanted with a striking elevation difference between two sections, posing a hazard to passing motorists.

The left side of the road from Polsek Metro Penjaringan towards Jalan Pluit Timur Raya appears higher than the other side. The elevation difference is estimated at 10 to 15 centimetres. In some areas, the road surface has been patched with asphalt, but a sharp height difference remains.

The slant causes vehicles travelling from Jalan Pluit Timur Raya towards Polsek Metro Penjaringan to drive at an angle. Scraping sounds from the vehicle underbody striking the higher, improperly patched road surface are frequently heard.