President Jokowi Calls for Continued River Normalization in Jakarta

A number of Regional Heads attend a limited meeting on the Prevention and Post-Disaster Management of Flood, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/2). (Photo by: Ibrahim/PR)

In a bid to prevent flooding in Jakarta and to mitigate the impacts, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has instructed the completion of Ciliwung waterway to the East Flood Canal (BKT) this year.

“I think the (Jakarta) Governor can immediately resolve the land acquisition issue,” President Jokowi stated during a limited meeting on the Prevention and Post-Disaster Management of Flood, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/2).

The President also called for continued normalization or naturalization program of rivers in Jakarta.

Other than the Ciliwung river, he said, the program implementation should include Pesanggrahan river, Cipinang river, Buaran river, Mookervaart river, and 14 other rivers.

“All of these (rivers), I think, need to be normalized, so that the flow of water in Jakarta can return to normal,” President Jokowi said.

The President also stated that Jakarta as the capital city is not a stand-alone region but is surrounded by West Java and Banten provinces. For this reason, he expressed hope that all of the regional heads can cooperate to solve flooding problems in the capital.

“Without cooperation, I think there will be no comprehensive solution and no early problem solving,” he said. (TGH/HIM/ES)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Muhardi
Proofread by: M. Ersan Pamungkas