Poor Street Lighting and Inadequate Road Barriers Blamed for Latest Fatal Crash in Tanjungpinang
A tragic traffic accident in Dompak, Tanjungpinang, claimed two lives after a motorcycle slammed into an unlit concrete roundabout early Sunday morning. The incident has reignited public concern over poor road infrastructure and street lighting in the area.
Deadly Crash in the Dark
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, two men died instantly after their motorcycle collided with a concrete roundabout in the unlit Dompak circuit area of Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau. The victims, identified as AR (30) and HI (38), were riding a Yamaha Jupiter MX with registration BP 4529 GQ. The crash occurred in the early hours when visibility was at its lowest due to non-functioning public street lights (PJU).
The incident took place near the non-permanent circuit area, a spot known for frequent accidents. According to police, the motorcycle was traveling from Tanjung Ayun toward the Kepulauan Riau Provincial Monument when the rider lost control and hit the roundabout’s concrete barrier. Both men suffered severe injuries and were declared dead at the scene.
Infrastructure Under Fire
Local residents have long complained about the lack of proper street lighting in Dompak. The latest accident has intensified scrutiny of the area’s road safety. The Head of the Kepri Public Works Department, Rodyantara, admitted the lighting infrastructure is inadequate and pledged immediate improvements.
“We will add PJU points in high-risk zones. Existing but non-functional units will also be repaired,” Rodyantara said on Monday, July 7.
He emphasized that while the roundabout design follows national standards—with curbs and signage—the lack of illumination remains a significant issue that must be addressed.
Police Confirm First Roundabout Collision
While traffic incidents are not uncommon in Dompak, this is reportedly the first fatal case involving a roundabout collision. Ipda Werry Wilson Marbun of the Tanjungpinang Traffic Police stated,
“Accidents in this area happen often, but this is the first time a crash directly involved the roundabout structure.”
Marbun added that both victims were immediately transported to Raja Ahmad Thabib Hospital for identification and were later buried by their families.
Road Safety Demands Urgent Action
This fatal crash has sparked renewed calls for urgent road safety interventions, particularly in underdeveloped or poorly maintained zones. Residents urge the government to prioritize basic infrastructure—lighting, signage, and barriers—before more lives are lost.
According to authorities, future upgrades will not only involve street lighting but also include evaluations of barrier visibility and warning signals around high-risk structures like roundabouts.
The deaths of AR and HI in Dompak underscore the fatal consequences of neglected infrastructure. As urban development expands in Kepulauan Riau, immediate attention must be given to safety fundamentals like lighting and road design. The tragic event sends a strong message: without prompt action, public safety remains at serious risk—affecting not only locals but also visitors traveling through the area.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Presmedia (2025)
Keywords: Dompak Crash, Tanjungpinang Accident, Street Lighting Issue, Traffic Fatalities, Kepri Government, Public Safety
