Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Inspection of Ciliwung River Canal Construction Project, in East Jakarta, January 24, 2023

Press Statement of President Joko Widodo after Inspecting the Development of Ciliwung River Canal Construction Project, 24 January 2023

Yes, we are going back to Ciliwung river and talk about the Jakarta floods. As we are all aware, handling Jakarta flood must be from upstream to downstream. From upstream, the Ciawi Dam had been completed, then the Sukamahi Dam. They are on the upstream.

Here on the downstream, in Jakarta, there are still problems, but the problems will be resolved soon this April. The Ciliwung canal system project will be completed, which has been stalled for six years. It’s been 1.5 months since land was cleared, so the project can resume. We hope that in April, God willing, it will be finished. This project will reduce a lot of inundated areas and floods in Jakarta.

The Ciliwung River, during the fourth level of flood alert, it will reduce 33 cubic meters of water per second. That is huge. Then if on the first level of flood alert, it can reduce 63 cubic meters of water per second. That is huge. This canal is seven meter wide: 3.5 meters to the right and 3.5 meters to the left. It is 1.2 km long. When it operates later, it will greatly reduce the flooding in Jakarta.

If this project is completed, we move to the next projects, that is the pumps in the rivers and also the normalization of the Ciliwung rivers and twelve other existing rivers: Mookervart, Pesanggrahan River, Angke River, Cipinang River, and others. It must also be normalized. We want Jakarta to be flood-free. For the tidal floods in the north side, the sea wall and giant sea wall projects must also begin immediately. I have ordered it to the Governor of Jakarta.

Press
The area, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ask the Governor.

Press
Can you explain the reasons why the project was stalled for six years?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Land acquisition issue. I was also surprised to know that Pak Heru could resume the project. I don’t know what method he used but the project can be completed. I come here because it is almost finished.

Press
What is your expectation after it is finished?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ask the Governor. We still have projects on tidal flooding, giant sea walls, sea embankments, and others from the upstream that has not been completed. Problems from the coast side is also not finished. It’s not an easy job, but if we consistently do it, it will reduce the problems gradually until all are resolved.

Press
Are you optimistic that the project will be completed in April?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It will. I have reviewed the tunnel. The tunnel boring has started to work. I am optimistic that it will be finished in April.

Press

How about tenure of Village Head?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It is called aspiration, please submit it to the House of Representatives (DPR). But the point is, the law is very clear, limiting (the tenure) to six years and for three periods. The process will be in the DPR.

Press
What is your opinion?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The Law regulates that the tenure for village heads is six years and a maximum of three periods.

Press
Regarding Eliezer’s mother who did not want her child to be prosecuted for 12 years. Any comment, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I cannot intervene in the ongoing legal proceedings. Not only the case involving the former personnel of the National Police FS, but for all cases. We have to respect the legal proceedings carried out by state institutions.

Press
Hajj cost, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The cost of Hajj is still in the review process, it’s not final. It’s not final yet but the news has gone viral. It is still in the review process, still in the calculation process.

Press
About reshuffle?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Just wait.

(EST/LW)