Gov’t Speeds Up Flood Relief Measures

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf delivers his press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Tuesday (03/04). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

The Indonesian Government is moving swiftly to handle the recent flood disaster affecting Jakarta, Bekasi, and surrounding areas.

According to Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, disaster response teams have been deployed to multiple affected locations.

“All disaster response personnel are on the ground, including in Jatiasih, Bekasi, Bogor, and several areas in Jakarta,” the Minister said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Tuesday (03/04).

The Minister stated that Ministry of Social Affairs is focusing on two vital needs, namely logistics and shelters.

In coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and under the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the ministry has facilitated the evacuation of affected residents.

“Trained personnel are already on the ground, working to evacuate residents to designated shelters or independent evacuation sites,” he said.

Ministry of Social Affairs, together with West Java provincial government, as well as Bekasi and Bogor regional administrations, are still assessing the full impact of the disaster. Official data on the number of victims and the extent of damage is still being finalized.

“As of now, the data is not yet conclusive and continues to evolve, as the floods have been quite extensive. We will provide updates once we have a more comprehensive picture of the situation,” the Minister explained.

In terms of aid distribution, Ministry of Social Affairs has provided essential supplies for displaced residents, including mattresses, pillows, medicine, clothing for women and children, and ready-to-eat food.

In addition, public kitchens have also been set up to ensure food availability for those affected.

“Public kitchens are now operational, including one in Jatiasih, established through collaboration between Bekasi city and regency governments and Ministry of Social Affairs,” he added.

In the meantime, Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati stated that her agency is actively participating in the emergency response by implementing weather modification techniques.

The initiative has been coordinated with Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture as well as the BNPB.

“Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture and Head of the BNPB have coordinated with us at the BMKG. We are implementing weather modification techniques aimed at preventing heavy rainfall from reaching vulnerable areas by inducing precipitation before the clouds arrive,” Dwikorita stressed.

According to her, the weather modification will be carried out over the next few days and will be evaluated afterward in collaboration with the BNPB.

Head of the BMKG also called for collective support to ensure that these efforts effectively mitigate the impact of rainfall, particularly in Jakarta and West Java areas.

“Areas on alert include West Java, Banten, Jakarta, Lampung, and parts of Palembang, with Bengkulu experiencing minor effects. Please pray that these mitigation efforts succeed and that there are no casualties,” Dwikorita said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/MMB)