Uncovering Hidden Risks in Government Building Facade Maintenance: Insights from Jakarta's Alucobond Panel Projects

This study explores the range of risks encountered during facade maintenance involving Alucobond panels at the headquarters of Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Recognizing the operational complexities posed by high-rise public buildings in tropical, high-humidity urban environments, a qualitative case study approach was applied to identify latent and site-specific hazards. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires administered to six experienced facade maintenance professionals with direct involvement in projects at the BNN facility. The responses were analyzed thematically through an inductive–deductive process, with risk categories structured in accordance with ISO 31010. The study identified 28 distinct risks, including technical failures such as anchor degradation and undetected panel defects; occupational safety concerns such as inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses and helmets, and worker fatigue; as well as environmental, operational, and financial constraints that affect both maintenance performance and safety. The findings confirm that qualitative, practitioner-based methods are effective in surfacing contextual risks not captured by standardized checklists. The resulting risk inventory offers a foundation for more targeted mitigation strategies and contributes to the development of evidence-based maintenance protocols for public buildings operating in dense, climate-sensitive cities across Southeast Asia.