Frustrated by government inaction, Bintan residents fill potholes to prevent more accidents
Fed up with months of neglect, residents of Bintan, Riau Islands, have taken it upon themselves to repair the hazardous potholes along Jalan Lintas Timur. The crumbling road has caused multiple accidents, prompting a civic-led effort using self-funded materials to protect motorists.
Months of Danger Ignored
Jalan Lintas Timur, a critical road connecting Toapaya to Bintan Timur, has been deteriorating for months without official repair. The gaping potholes, often filled with rainwater, resemble fish ponds and have become traps for unsuspecting motorists. Reports of accidents and near-misses have fueled growing anger and fear among locals.
Community Steps In
On June 9, 2025, residents of Kampung Jawa and Kampung Baru decided to act. Equipped with only wheelbarrows, buckets, and a mix of cement, sand, and gravel, at least four men patched potholes by hand. One of them, Agus Fiandi, said the move was triggered by news of another motorcyclist falling after hitting a pothole.
He emphasized the urgent need for government responsiveness before fatalities occur.
DIY Repairs in a Critical Zone
The road’s strategic role as a major artery between Kijang and Toapaya means it’s heavily used by vehicles daily. Yet, the crumbling asphalt continues to pose a threat, especially during the rainy season when holes are obscured by standing water.
Public Pressure for Action
Residents like Aris from Kampung Baru echoed the call for intervention. He stressed that public budgets should prioritize safety-critical infrastructure like Jalan Lintas Timur. “This road matters. Many pass through it every day. If it isn’t fixed soon, more lives will be at risk,” he said.
A Call for Government Accountability
The grassroots initiative is more than a physical fix—it’s a message to local leaders. With residents risking their own safety and funds to manage public infrastructure, the silence from officials grows more deafening. Locals want the government to stop delaying and start prioritizing basic road repairs before public frustration turns into tragedy.
Bintan’s road crisis reflects a deeper issue of civic neglect in essential services. When citizens must perform duties meant for local authorities, it reveals not only a failing system but also a resilient community. For Indonesians across the archipelago—and even observers in neighboring Singapore—this story is a wake-up call: safe infrastructure cannot be optional, especially on roads as vital as Jalan Lintas Timur.
Sources: Tribun Batam (2025) , Ulasan (2025)
Keywords: Bintan Pothole Crisis, Jalan Lintas Timur, Community Road Repair, Government Inaction, Road Accident Risk, Swadaya Action
