Damaged Jepara-Pati Border Road, Tanjung Jati PLTU and the Uncertain Smoothness of Connecting Infrastructure

Damaged Jepara-Pati Border Road, Tanjung Jati PLTU and the Uncertain Smoothness of Connecting Infrastructure. (Photo:Ist)
Damaged Jepara-Pati Border Road, Tanjung Jati PLTU and the Uncertain Smoothness of Connecting Infrastructure. (Photo:Ist)

HALO JEPARA- The damaged Jepara-Pati border road, which connects two districts in Central Java, has become a tragic face in the world of infrastructure. The road has been badly damaged over the years, making it seem like an eternal project that never seems to be completed.

Even during the rainy season the conditions are more worrying. Every time it rains, the road has potholes, long cracks and mud, as if it were a testing ground for motorists who traverse it. A viral video a few days ago depicting damaged roads causing accidents to motorbike riders could be proof that the infrastructure connecting Jepara-Pati is indeed unfriendly for road users.

The reality is prolonging the suffering of residents who rely on this road every day. This road damage is a poor reflection of the management of provincial road infrastructure which needs more serious attention.

On the one hand, this long-standing damage reveals deep-seated problems in planning, budgeting, and unsustainable maintenance solutions. Based on the analysis of budgeting and planning patterns, it is possible that there will be a mismatch between real needs and the allocation of existing funds on the Jepara-Pati highway.

As a provincial road, this road should receive adequate attention from regional and provincial governments, considering its vital function for the smooth mobility of goods and people between regions. However, planning that is not supported by a thorough feasibility study and inconsistent budget allocation means that this project tends to be implemented sporadically and not comprehensively.

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In many cases, the budget allocated for road maintenance is often insufficient to cover the damage caused by high traffic loads and extreme weather conditions. Delays in maintenance or repairs that are only temporary cause this road to become damaged again in a short time, creating the impression that the repair project is an “eternal project” that will never be completed.

If we look at the existing budgeting pattern, we can see that there is a tendency for irregularities in the distribution of road maintenance funds. Every year, the budget for repairing the Jepara-Pati highway never seems to be enough to overcome the existing damage. A budget planning process that is poorly integrated with needs in the field, as well as an inability to adjust the budget to the level of damage, means this road is continually in a worrying condition.

One striking aspect is the maintenance approach which is only temporary and not comprehensive. The road repairs carried out are generally patchy, which only addresses damage to a small part of the road. This technique is not effective in the long term, as the damage reappears quickly, especially after the rainy season.

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This incomplete completion of maintenance also reflects a lack of supervision and evaluation of the quality of the work carried out. Often, maintenance work does not follow adequate standards, so the resulting road quality cannot last long.

Damaged roads in Jepara starting from Mambak Mlonggo to Kelet in Jepara Regency have become at least a chronic problem that affects the mobility and safety of motorists. Apart from weather factors and over-dimensional overload (ODOL) vehicles, the activities of excavation company C and Tanjung Jati B Steam Power Plant (PLTU) trucks can be seen to have contributed significantly to the damage to the road.

PLTU Tanjung Jati B, which operates in the Jepara area, is also a factor causing road damage. Large tonnage vehicles, including trucks carrying waste and materials, often ply the Mlonggo-Kelet Road. These activities add stress to road structures, causing more rapid deterioration and worsening already poor road conditions.

It is hoped that Tanjung Jati B Jepara Steam Power Plant (PLTU Tanjung Jati B) will be able to contribute to the maintenance and repair of the roads used by their operational vehicles. Ideally, because PLTU Tanjung Jati B is a vital national object, road access to and from the area should also follow this status.

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The damage to the Mlonggo-Kelet Road was clearly caused by a combination of factors, including the activities of excavation company C, PLTU Tanjung Jati operational trucks B, and ODOL trucks. Cooperation is needed between the government, related companies and the community to carry out comprehensive and sustainable improvements.

Implementing more effective road repair technology and consistent routine maintenance is the key to overcoming this problem.

Solution: Comprehensive Planning and Budgeting

To overcome this problem, significant changes are needed in provincial road planning and budgeting. The maintenance approach must be changed to be more sustainable, namely paying attention to the quality of work and using more durable materials. Close monitoring and post-repair evaluation are also important to ensure that maintenance projects can actually provide long-term benefits.

Damaged infrastructure is not just a technical problem, but a reflection of shared responsibility. When we work together to repair neglected roads, we also build a better, safer, and more connected future. Every step of improvement is a step towards progress, and every small contribution will have a big impact on collective prosperity.

Dr. Muh Khamdan, Trustee of the Paradigm Institute