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Utility manhole covers on several sidewalks and roads across Jakarta have once again come under public scrutiny.
In several locations in Central and South Jakarta, underground access covers appear tilted, raised above the sidewalk surface, or not fully sealed. This condition is seen not merely as a technical issue, but one that also affects safety, comfort, and the city’s visual appearance.
Urban Planning observer from the University of Indonesia, M. Aziz Muslim, stated that uneven manhole covers create multiple layers of impact.
“The issue of uneven utility manhole covers on Jakarta’s roads and sidewalks certainly brings various consequences,” Aziz said on Thursday (February 19, 2026).
According to him, pedestrians are the most affected.
“Especially pedestrians and sidewalk users, this clearly disrupts walking comfort. Not only comfort, but there are also concerns about safety,” he explained.
He emphasized that even small surface differences can pose risks.
“If the surface is uneven, there is potential for people to trip or slip,” Aziz added.
Risks for people with disabilities and drainage systems
Aziz noted that the issue becomes more serious when viewed from the perspective of accessibility for people with disabilities. Sidewalks are meant to be safe and inclusive, yet protruding or sunken manholes can hinder mobility.
“This will certainly greatly disturb accessibility for persons with disabilities,” he said.
He also reminded that the function of manholes themselves cannot be overlooked, as most serve as access points to drainage systems.
“What we must not ignore is the function of the manhole. Most of them are drainage manholes, which support drainage functionality, particularly for maintenance purposes,” Aziz explained.
He described manholes as critical access points for maintaining underground networks without dismantling sidewalks.
“Drainage manholes are not merely covers for water channels; they are strategic access points that allow maintenance of drainage networks without damaging sidewalk or road structures,” he said.
However, he stressed that functionality must not compromise safety.
“There is also the issue of aesthetics. If they are poorly installed or uneven, they disrupt the city’s appearance,” he added.
He emphasized that manholes must remain level and stable.
“They must be positioned evenly, firmly, and stably to minimize the risk of tripping or slipping, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic,” he said.
“They must be technically safe and also function as an integrated part of the public safety system,” Aziz continued.
Aziz asserted that restoring sidewalk conditions is the responsibility of the utility operators conducting the work.
“If, after utility work is completed, the surface is left uneven or incompatible with its original condition, this becomes very dangerous. Therefore, the party carrying out the utility work must be responsible for restoring it to its original state,” he explained.
Field observations and public responses
Observations by Kompas.com along Jalan HR Rasuna Said, Pancoran, and Gondangdia found several manholes positioned higher than the sidewalk surface, tilted, or leaving open gaps. Some had sunk into depressions, while others protruded several centimeters. During rainfall, pooled water makes these gaps difficult to see.
“The most important thing is public safety and comfort,” Aziz emphasized.
Several residents said they must remain more cautious. Bella (27), a private employee who frequently passes through Rasuna Said, said she encounters the issue almost daily on her commute.
“I pass here almost every day to go to work. You really have to be more careful, especially since many manhole covers are tilted or higher than the sidewalk,” she said.
She added that conditions become more dangerous after rain.
“After it rains, it’s even riskier because some are covered by puddles, so we can’t tell whether it’s a hole or a flat surface,” Bella explained.
Sabri (35), an online motorcycle taxi driver, also highlighted risks for cyclists.
“I often see manhole covers that don’t close properly. Some are slightly open, some are tilted. That’s very dangerous, not only for pedestrians but also for cyclists. If a tire gets stuck, they could fall,” he said.
Lisa (42), a Central Jakarta resident, said she once nearly twisted her ankle.
“It’s not very high, but enough to surprise you. Especially if you’re carrying items or accompanying a child, it becomes more troublesome,” she said.
“Sidewalks should be the safest space for pedestrians, not something that causes anxiety,” she added.
Explanation from the Public Works Agency
Head of the Data and Information Center of Jakarta’s Bina Marga Agency, Siti Dinarwenny, explained that most uneven manholes are older installations owned by utility operators.
“Most uneven manholes are existing older structures belonging to utility operators. Utility manholes function as supporting infrastructure providing access for inspection, maintenance, and repair of underground utility networks, including fiber optic cables,” Wenny said.
She explained that during sidewalk construction, manhole positions had already been adjusted.
“During construction and completion stages, the position and elevation of manhole covers were adjusted to be level with the sidewalk surface according to applicable technical standards,” she said.
However, conditions may change during operation due to repeated opening and closing, soil settlement, and vehicle loads.
“These factors can potentially cause unevenness between manhole covers and the sidewalk surface,” Wenny explained.
If reports are received, her agency will contact the utility owners.
“If there is information about uneven surfaces, the Bina Marga Agency will immediately notify the utility owner to carry out repairs,” she said.
As a long-term solution, the agency is implementing an Integrated Utility Network Facility (SJUT), or shared manholes, to reduce the number of covers on sidewalks, including along Jalan Sudirman, the western side of Rasuna Said, and the Blok M area.
