Two Weeks of Foul-Smelling Drainage Water Accumulation Persists; Kalideres Residents Protest
Jakarta – Accumulation of foul-smelling black wastewater has persisted on portions of Jalan Satu Maret in Pegadungan, Kalideres, West Jakarta, for more than two weeks. This condition has drawn complaints from residents as it occurs daily regardless of rainfall and is suspected to be connected to a water pipeline excavation project at the location.
The overflowing dirty water not only produces an unpleasant odour but also triggers traffic congestion and endangers road users. Residents have questioned the slow response from the relevant authorities.
“The smell is unbearable; sometimes I hold my breath when passing through,” said Irfan when met at the location on Monday (2 March 2026). He expressed puzzlement at the daily waterlogging despite the absence of rainfall. Irfan also criticised the project barriers that have not been removed despite work being purportedly completed.
“It has been going on for over two weeks now, and it is disruptive. Nothing is being done about it; I am confused because it floods every day. These barriers should be removed once work is finished so they do not cause traffic jams. It is definitely congested in the evenings,” he complained.
Beyond the foul smell, Irfan noted that the drainage odour often clings to his motorcycle’s tyres and body, remaining until he arrives home. “I just want it fixed quickly. This is a major road with heavy traffic. It is really inappropriate that the sewage smell persists every time I pass and sticks to my motorcycle,” he said.
Similar complaints were raised by Dodi (64), a parking attendant at the adjacent minimarket. He noted that the drainage water flooding began with the water pipeline excavation project. According to him, the foul odour even penetrates the minimarket, disturbing workers and customers.
“It is not just a smell anymore. Since I work here every day, I am constantly exposed to it, and the stench is nauseating. The customers inside the shop also suffer; when people step in from outside, the smell carries inside,” he explained.
Beyond discomfort, the accumulation on the damaged and slippery road surface poses serious safety risks to users, particularly at night. “There have even been accidents here at night. The damaged road is not visible, and it is slippery too; people fall into this flooding. Motorcycle riders are reluctant to put their feet down because they do not want to get dirty and smelly,” he added.