Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspecting Flood-affected Areas, Monday, 18 January 2021 at Mataraman Bridge, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan Province

Today, I inspected ten regencies and municipalities hit by floods in South Kalimantan Province. This is a major flooding that for more than five decades has never happened in the province. Barito River that normally can accommodate 230 million cubic meters of water cannot hold 2.1 billion cubic meters of water brought by heavy rainfall for ten consecutive days. It overflowed and inundated ten regencies and municipalities.

I want to ensure several things during the inspection. First, to see infrastructure damaged in this disaster. A number of bridges have collapsed as the impact of the 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 in three to four days; thus, distribution of goods will not be disrupted.

Second, I also want to ensure that evacuation procedures are well-implemented. Third, I want to ensure aid logistics for affected residents. It is really important because around 20,000 people are staying in evacuation shelters. The Central Government can help provide additional assistance besides the logistics provided by provincial, regencies, and municipalities’ governments.

Lastly, I’d like to offer my heartfelt condolences for the victims of floods in South Kalimantan. May patience be upon the bereaved family.

I conclude this statement.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.