Public Works Ministry to Join Forces with Jakarta Gov’t to Inspect Rivers
Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono accompanied by BNPB Head Doni Monardo delivers a statement to reporters after attending a limited meeting on the Prevention and Post-Disaster Management of Flood, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/1). (Photo by: Ibrahim/PR)
Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono has announced that his Ministry will work closely with Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan to inspect rivers indicated to have caused massive flooding that crippled capital Jakarta and its satellite cities.
“We are looking for available time to inspect the rivers, starting from Sukamahi dam, Ciawi dam, to those near the capital,” Basuki told reporters after attending a limited meeting on the Prevention and Post-Disaster Management of Flood at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/1).
Basuki added that there is no difference between the concept of river normalization and naturalization in flood prevention in Jakarta.
Other than the Ciliwung river, other rivers such as Pesanggrahan river, Angke river, Sunter river, Cengkareng river, Mookervaart river, and other small rivers should also be included in the normalization and naturalization program, he added.
“(There’s) no difference, both referring to the widening of river,” Basuki said, adding that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called for immediate reforestation by planting strong, deep roots plants, and vetiver grass as a means to prevent erosion.
The President has also instructed the completion of Sukamahi and Ciawi Dam, Basuki added.
“The construction of Ciliwung waterway to the East Flood Canal (BKT) must be completed this year. The Governor has confirmed that there is an issue of land acquisition and I have revoked the appeal due to legal disputes,” said Basuki, adding that Governor of Jakarta had already discussed the issue with the public and even the location determination will be signed once the public agrees.
Basuki also expressed hope that land dispute can immediately be resolved so the construction of the remaining 600 meters canal can be completed in less than one year, adding that the President also highlighted the program as a form of shared responsibility between the Central Government and the Jakarta provincial government.
Severe flooding in Greater Jakarta and the surrounding cities in West Java province and Banten province claimed at least 43 lives and forced hundreds of thousands of people to abandon their homes following heavy downpour from Tuesday evening until Wednesday. (TGH/HIM/ES)
Translated by: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
