Jakarta Council (DPRD) Commission C Member, Ahmad Lukman Jupiter hoped government to optimize budget allocated for flood mitigation.

We need to focus on solving this problem

According to him, flood is one of main problems in Jakarta that should be prioritized and resolved immediately. Thus he assessed, it is necessary to optimize budget for flood.

"We need to focus on solving this problem. I'm sure, legislature chairman and members support it," he conveyed, Wednesday (1/15).

Regarding pumps, he expected city to add both stationary and mobile pumps and ensure pumps are in good condition. Especially in anticipating flood or inundation in vulnerable areas.

"Old pumps that can't operate optimally should be replaced. Moreover, there is pump with advanced technology that can operate in water called submersible pumps," he said.

He conveyed that Jakarta Government needs to build reservoirs, especially in West Jakarta region. Heavy rain that caused flood in early January 2020 can be a reference about location that needs reservoir.

"Not only using the existing land to build reservoir, but government can also purchase land if needed. If it is realistic and based on the needs, then propose the budget to us," he expressed.

Moreover, he added, normalization or naturalization should be realized well, especially in Ciliwung River.

"Technically, whether it is naturalization or normalization, please ask the executive and PUPR Ministry. But we want its project as long as 33 kilometers in Ciliwung River to be finished soon," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Water Reservoir (SDA) Department Head, Juaini Yusuf said, his side also planned to replace the old stationary pumps.

"We have inventoried it. Immediately, we will replace it with the new one," he stated.