Jakarta Provincial Government is asked to increase citizens’ participation in keeping the environment clean, especially on how to cope with flooding during rainy season.

Before flood happens, Cleanliness Department can invite as well as recruit the citizens to become cleanliness honorary janitors whose duty is to clean the rivers from trash piles

Abdul Aziz, a member of Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) for National Awakening Party (PKB), stated that citizens’ participation in flood handling is the most effective way that could be done by Jakarta Cleanliness Department.

“Before flood happens, Cleanliness Department can invite as well as recruit the citizens to become cleanliness honorary janitors whose duty is to clean the rivers from trash piles. The citizens should also be involved in planning meeting related to flood handling, thus trash piles on the rivers during rainy season could be prevented,” he uttered, Sunday (11/2).

Besides the citizens, Aziz added, Cleanliness Department should also coordinate with technical regional work units (SKPD), such as Public Works Department, Health Department, and Social Department.

“So, don’t just get busy and blame each other during rainy season,” he said.

Responding this, Deputy Head of Jakarta Cleanliness Department, Isnawa Adji, admitted that his department has done various ways to increase citizens’ participation in flood handling efforts.

“We have socialized it numerous times, starting from sub-district level to urban village, RW, and RT levels. We held workshops, trainings, and seminars on cleanliness. In those occasions, we asked the citizens to take part in keeping cleanliness and don’t be ignorant. Citizens’ participation is important. Moreover, the function of local heads must also be optimal. If the people ignorant, our task will be much heavier,” he stated.