Traffic congestion along Sawangan Main Road in Depok City is becoming increasingly concerning day by day. This situation has prompted residents to urge that the road widening plan be implemented immediately, rather than the recently emerging proposal for an international-standard stadium construction.
For residents, the need for wider and smoother roads is far more urgent than large projects like a stadium. They believe the congestion on the main Sawangan route has directly impacted daily activities, both economic and social.
One local resident stated that traffic jams have now reached a point that disrupts community activities.
“The congestion is incredible, especially during morning and evening commute hours. Sometimes a distance of just two or three kilometers can take half an hour,” they said.
They explained that since 2024 there have been signs of the road widening plan, starting from measurements to land surveys by officials. However, until now, its realization remains unclear.
“Hopefully it’s not just promises. If they want to widen it, do it fairly, so no residents are disadvantaged,” they added.
The resident emphasized that road widening is far more urgent than an international stadium. According to them, smooth traffic flow will directly impact residents’ economic growth.
“If the roads are smooth, the economy will also move. The stadium can wait, but this congestion has been left unaddressed for too long,” they stressed.
A similar view was expressed by another resident who frequently travels along Sawangan Main Road. They admitted that congestion occurs almost all day, even on weekends.
“Now the traffic jams are unpredictable, it can be congested from morning until night. We hope the road widening is done soon so residents can drive comfortably,” they said.
According to this resident, the proposal for an international-scale stadium construction feels ill-timed. They believe the government should focus on fundamental issues that are truly felt by the community.
“We’re still struggling with traffic jams, garbage, and floods. But what’s being discussed is a large stadium whose benefits for residents are unclear,” they said.
They added that the government should listen to the aspirations of the most affected communities.
“Prioritize things that residents feel directly. Traffic congestion and waste management issues are real and felt every day,” they stated.
Meanwhile, another road user who passes through the area daily said they have long heard about the road widening plan, but it has yet to be realized.
“The widening plan has been discussed for years. But looking at field conditions, many buildings are crowded along the roadside, so massive restructuring is needed,” they said.
This person also questioned the international stadium proposal, which they believe did not originate from community aspirations.
“Which residents asked for a large stadium? Many actually hope that existing sports facilities like Merpati Field or Kukusan would just be improved,” they said.
They reminded the government to be wiser in determining development priorities.
“Don’t let the community feel neglected. Listen to residents’ voices first before launching large projects,” they emphasized.
Sawangan residents hope that the long-awaited Sawangan Main Road widening project will soon be realized in a transparent manner that serves the interests of the community.
Amid the grand proposal for international stadium construction, residents’ voices serve as a reminder that true development should originate from the most fundamental needs of the people.
