President Jokowi Calls for Immediate Rehabilitation of Flood-damaged Bridges in S. Kalimantan

President Jokowi inspects flood-hit areas in South Kalimantan, on Monday (18/1). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday (18/1) began his working visit to South Kalimantan Province to monitor condition of flood-hit regions.

Extreme rain that showered for ten consecutive days is responsible for the floods. Barito River that normally can accommodate 230 million cubic meters of water cannot hold 2.1 billion cubic meters of water and it overflowed to ten regencies and municipalities.

During the working visit, the President inspected the real condition on the ground, infrastructures damaged in disaster, evacuation process, and logistics aids to be distributed to the victims.

He went on to say that he has ordered Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono to immediately rehabilitate the damaged infrastructures, particularly bridges that connect the regions.

“A number of bridges have collapsed as the impact of floods, one of which is that bridge (Mataraman Bridge). I have also ordered Minister of Public Works and Public Housing to complete rehabilitation of the bridges within three to four days; thus, distribution of goods will not be disrupted,” he explained.

Regarding evacuation, the President confirmed that the process is well-implemented. In addition, logistics aids for affected residents must be ensured since around 20,000 people stayed in evacuation shelters.

“We must note that points, so that the Central Government can help provide the logistics to add that of provincial, regencies, and municipalities’ governments,” he added.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also offered his heartfelt condolences for the victims of floods in South Kalimantan. (FID/UN) (RAS/MUR)