Damaged Roads Cause 27 Accidents in Jakarta — One Dead, Many Injured

Road surface deterioration in Jakarta and surrounding metro areas has emerged as a significant road safety hazard, with police reporting 27 traffic accidents linked directly to potholes and damaged pavement in January 2026.

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The Jakarta Regional Metropolitan Police have warned that poor road conditions continue to threaten drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians unless repairs are accelerated. 

According to AKBP Ojo Ruslani, Head of the Law Enforcement Sub-Directorate of the Traffic Directorate, these incidents, recorded between 1 and 28 January, included one fatality, eight serious injuries, and 20 minor injuries.

Study of the data indicates that potholes and uneven pavement not only cause collisions but also force abrupt manoeuvres that can lead to loss of control. 

RoadKing research and transport safety experts confirm that potholes and damaged surfaces are an underestimated risk factor in traffic safety.

When vehicles hit potholes at speed, impacts can damage tires, suspension, and steering systems, or cause drivers to swerve suddenly to avoid them, actions that often lead to collisions or loss of control.

Motorcycles and bicycles are particularly vulnerable due to lower stability on uneven surfaces. 

In addition, extreme weather, especially heavy rainfall during recent weeks has exacerbated pavement deterioration, weakening asphalt and accelerating pothole formation.

The Jakarta Governor’s office says thousands of potholes were recorded this season, with crews deployed for temporary repairs as needed. 

Traffic authorities have been monitoring high-risk road sections and regularly coordinating with the Ministry of Public Works and the Jakarta provincial government to repair damaged stretches.

Directorate of Traffic Kombes Komarudin stated that ensuring road safety requires prompt identification and correction of dangerous road segments that slow traffic or lead to accidents. 

Under Indonesian law (Article 273 of Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transport), road operators including local and national authorities can face sanctions if negligence in maintenance results in accidents, injuries, or deaths.

Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, especially where fatalities occur. 

To strengthen repair efforts, the Jakarta provincial government is recruiting additional personnel under the Road Construction Agency’s Bina Marga “Yellow Force” to focus specifically on pothole patching and road resurfacing, addressing the shortfall in maintenance manpower. 

For road users navigating urban and suburban roadways:

• Reduce speed near poorly surfaced areas, especially after rain when potholes are obscured by water.
• Motorcyclists and cyclists should exercise extra caution and avoid abrupt lane changes around damaged sections.
• Report dangerous potholes to local authorities through official channels to prompt repairs.

RoadKing highlights that road condition maintenance is a fundamental element of crash prevention, and that addressing potholes swiftly can significantly reduce accidents otherwise attributed to human or vehicle factors alone.