JAKARTA – A 61-year-vintage motorcyclist died on March 6 after falling into a pothole on Jalan Lingkar Timur in Sidoarjo, East Java and being struck by a truck. Just twelve hours later, officials from the Sidoarjo city government attended a lavish iftar event.
Community Response to Infrastructure Concerns
The iftar, held at the Graha Unesa convention centre, was themed around Bollywood and featured elaborate decorations and costumes. Sidoarjo regional secretary Fenny Apridawati, who organised the event, shared a video on her Instagram account which drew criticism from netizens who deemed it insensitive given the area’s infrastructure problems.
One commenter, quoted by local news site Republik Jatim, stated, “Seeing officials flaunting their luxury and costumes in magnificent buildings, while Sidoarjo residents have to risk their lives every day crossing streets that resemble pools of water, is truly ironic.” Sidoarjo, a city of over two million people, is a satellite city of Surabaya and known for its fishery products.
Residents have repeatedly appealed to the local government to address the disrepair of public facilities, but authorities have been slow to respond. In mid-February, residents took matters into their own hands, pooling their money to repair potholes. This action prompted a response from the government, with Sidoarjo regional legislative council member Muhammad Zakaria Dimas Pratama noting it signaled a demand for improvement in road infrastructure management.
Citizen-Led Initiatives Across Indonesia
Sidoarjo is not alone in experiencing this dynamic. Similar community-led repair efforts have been reported across Indonesia, including in Lampung, Nunukan, and Taliabu Island. In Bekasi, West Java, a group called Generasi Burgeract (Generation Seize Action) has gained attention for cleaning bus stops and filling potholes.
Generasi Burgeract, comprised of Syafii Maarif Al-hafiz, Jaka Prasetiyo, Geraldi Weimy Suhestian, Ilham Haristianto, and Cornelia Agustine, began their efforts in January. They have since cleaned four bus stops and filled potholes on four roads, most recently repairing a 10-meter pothole on the Kalimalang route on March 7. Their work has been supported by public donations and a free asphalt shipment from a local company.
Bekasi Mayor Tri Adhianto has praised Generasi Burgeract’s efforts, acknowledging that solving all city issues requires more than government action alone. However, Indonesian Ombudsman Robert Na Endi Jaweng cautioned against celebrating such initiatives, stating they indicate maladministration and a failure by local governments to fulfill their obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the criticism of the Sidoarjo officials’ iftar?
The iftar event drew criticism because it was perceived as insensitive following the death of a motorcyclist due to a pothole and the ongoing issues with infrastructure in Sidoarjo.
What did Generasi Burgeract do in Bekasi?
Generasi Burgeract cleaned four bus stops and filled potholes on four roads, including a 10-meter pothole on the Kalimalang route.
What did the Indonesian Ombudsman say about citizens fixing public facilities?
The Indonesian Ombudsman stated that citizens fixing public facilities indicates maladministration by local governments, which should respond more seriously to this phenomenon.
As communities across Indonesia increasingly take infrastructure maintenance into their own hands, will local governments prioritize responsiveness and accountability to address the underlying issues driving these citizen-led initiatives?
