Western Coastal Highway Guaranteed Pothole-Free for Eid Exodus
Jakarta — The Ministry of Public Works, through the Major Road Implementation Centre (BBPJN) for DKI-West Java, is accelerating pothole repairs on the western section of the National Coastal Highway (Pantura) to ensure infrastructure readiness for the 2026 Eid exodus.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stressed that pothole repairs are a top priority and must be completed before the peak travel period. “There were reportedly around 7,000 potholes, which have now decreased dramatically to 2,500. We guarantee that before the Eid exodus, almost all will be pothole-free,” Hanggodo said during an inspection of the Pantura section in Indramayu Regency on Saturday (28 February 2026).
The ministry’s immediate focus is rapid repairs using the patching method to ensure smooth and safe travel during the exodus. The Ministry of Public Works is also preparing an overlay programme (resurfacing) and structural improvements to rigid pavement (concrete) at critical points.
Hanggodo assured that repairs will be carried out in phases, with all strategic routes in sound condition before the surge in homeward-bound travellers. Beyond road surface repairs, the Ministry of Public Works has emphasised the importance of river estuary normalisation and drainage system improvements along the western Pantura, including the Citarum, Ciliwung, and Cisadane waterways, to prevent flooding and tidal inundation that can accelerate road deterioration.
“Road improvements will be pointless if drainage is clogged and estuaries are silted up, triggering tidal flooding or water pooling during rain,” Hanggodo explained. The ministry will maintain full alert status throughout the Eid period to ensure roads remain safe and functional. Hanggodo also appealed to the public to help maintain drainage channels in their respective areas to prevent water obstruction.
“Our duty at the Ministry of Public Works is to ensure the Pantura western section roads are fit, safe, and pleasant for the public,” he concluded.