Jakarta Floods: Gov’t Makes Emergency Responses, Flood Mitigation Efforts

Aerial image of Jakarta flood on Wednesday (1/1). (Photo by: National Agency for Disaster Management PR)

In the wake of massive flooding that hit Jakarta and its surrounding cities, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that during emergency response, the Government has operated water pumps and used sandbags, gabions, and water tanks to locations and public facilities affected by the floods so they can function normally again.

For the record, the flooding badly affected four watersheds, namely Krukut, Ciliwung, Cakung, and Sunter.

Regarding flood mitigation facilities in the four watersheds, the President added that the construction was delayed due to land acquisition issue in 2017.

“For example, flood mitigation program in Ciliwung River in which the work progress has only reached 16 km out of 33 km”, the President said.

On the other hand, the land acquisition of Ciawi and Sukamahi Dams is above 90 percent, while the construction progress reached 45 percent, he added.

“The dams are expected to be completed by the end of 2020,” the President added.

In addition, the project of flood diversion from Ciliwung River to Cipinang River is being accelerated. “Local residents have agreed that their lands will be used for the continuation of the project which spans 1,200 meters,” President Jokowi said. (ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : M. Ersan Pamungkas