Gov’t to Continue Construction of Flood Prevention Infrastructure
Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono delivers his press statement after attending an internal meeting at Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (3/1). (Photo: Jay / PR)
In a bid to mitigate and prevent flooding across the country, especially in capital Jakarta, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has instructed Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono to continue the construction of infrastructure for flood prevention.
According to the Minister, the first Jakarta Flood Control Master Plan was published by the Netherlands Engineering Consultant (NEDECO) in 1973 and was reviewed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA) in 1997 and 2007 regarding Kanal Banjir Barat (West Floodway) and Kanal Banjir Timur (East Floodway) and the normalization of Ciliwung River.
“So far, the water of the East Flood Canal in Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta can be controlled and does not cause flooding. The Government is currently working on several flood prevention schemes,” Basuki said at Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (3/1).
Basuki went on to say that the Government also plans to expand the Ciliwiung River capacity due to its water debit that increased to 570 m3/ second which means that the potential for flooding becomes higher.
If the canal construction is completed, the Minister continued, it will flow 60 m3/ second water debit of Ciliwung River into the East Flood Canal, so that the water will not burden the Ciliwung River downstream in Manggarai water gate.
“The President has instructed Public Works Ministry to continue the construction,” Basuki said, adding that there are two dams upstream to be built to tackle floods in Jakarta, including Sukamahi Dam and Ciawi Dam.
“We will complete the construction this year. In addition, progress of the land acquisition has reached more than 95%, which will speed up the construction,” he added.
The Government, Basuki continued, has also completed 600 meters of canal, adding that the Governor of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta has discussed the construction of a tube contains several mixed fill holes (inlet) in Ciliwung River with the people.
“Insya Allah, it will not take long to release the inlets. Regarding the river normalization, we have also prepared temporary housings at Pasar Rumput region for 800 families,” Basuki said.
The Minister also cited several plans and measures to control floods taken by Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing in dealing with floods across the country, including the construction of Nanjung tunnel and Curug Jompong that have been operated in Bandung in West Java.
“Prior to the tunnel construction, the 300 mm of rain caused floods in that area, while currently more than 400 mm of rain will not cause floods,” the Minister said, adding that the use of Curug Jompong has been able to drain flood in Dayeuhkolot in only 1 to 5 hours. (FID / JAY / ES)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
