Road Damage Kills Victims, 27 Accidents Occurred in Jakarta Throughout January

JAKARTA - The Directorate of Traffic of the Metro Jaya Police said that damaged roads were one of the causes of traffic accidents in the Jakarta and surrounding areas.

For this reason, the police continue to coordinate with a number of related institutions, ranging from the Ministry of Public Works, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, to the administrative city government.

Director of Traffic of Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Komarudin said there were four main factors causing traffic accidents, namely human factors or human error, vehicles, road conditions, and weather.

"For roads that are damaged and have the potential to cause disruptions, ranging from slowing down the flow, congestion, to accidents, this is one of the routine activities we do. The results are then coordinated with related agencies for repairs," said Komarudin in his statement in Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, January 29.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Law Enforcement Sub Directorate of the Metro Jaya Traffic Directorate, AKBP Ojo Ruslani, said that during the period of 1-28 January, a total of 27 traffic accidents caused by potholes were recorded.

"With details of one person dying, eight people were seriously injured, and 20 people were lightly injured," said Ojo.

Ojo added that road organizers can be subject to criminal sanctions as stipulated in Article 273 paragraph (1) of Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation. The rules regulate sanctions for road organizers, both central and regional governments, who are negligent in repairing damaged roads that cause accidents or damage to vehicles and goods.

Therefore, he appealed to the heads of traffic units in every region to immediately conduct data collection on damaged road points that require quick handling.

"We appeal to the head of the Traffic Police to immediately inventory and list the damaged roads that must be repaired immediately," said Ojo.