Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung, directly reviewed the water level at the Manggarai Sluice Gate in Central Jakarta, Tuesday (3/4) afternoon.

The water level at Manggarai has reached 850 centimeters

The heavy rain pouring over the Bogor and Jakarta areas has caused high water levels in several rivers in Jakarta to overflow and inundate residential areas.

After reviewing the Manggarai Sluice Gate, Pramono assured the readiness of the Jakarta Government in dealing with the effects of flooding.

"Today, we are holding an emergency meeting because the water level at Manggarai has reached 850 centimeters. If the water level has touched 850 centimeters, it means Jakarta is now on alert level 2," he explained.

He also instructed the Water Resources Agency (SDA) to open the sluice gates to reduce the water load, especially in Ciliwung area. By so, the water that has flooded in several areas would begin to recede.

Those areas in question were Pegangsaan, Kenari, Cikini, Kwitang, Kebon Sirih, Senen, Gambir, Pasar Baru, Kebon Kelapa, Kartini, Mangga Dua Selatan, Pademangan, Mangga Besar, and Pinangsia.

"Hopefully, the flood will recede within 1-2 days. According to Mrs. Ika (Acting Head of SDA Agency), if the water reaches 850 centimeters, it usually takes 9 hours to recede," he explained.

He also gave the option to gradually open the sluice gates in vital areas. This would not cause flooding in strategic areas of Jakarta.

"The water to Istiqlal Mosque is operated through two gates, and it keeps being monitored, and we guarantee that it won't cause the flood," he added.

He also ordered the activation of all water pumps at 200 points to expedite the drainage of water into the sea. Aside that, weather modification would soon be conducted in collaboration with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to divert rainfall to the sea.

"We will soon activate weather modification because this flood is mostly due to over 90 percent of it being caused by water from upstream, considering the rainfall in Jakarta is quite low," he explained.

Additionally, the Jakarta Government would activate Disaster Alert Villages by involving the community and private sectors to assist affected residents. Public kitchens would also be on standby to meet the needs of residents, especially during Ramadhan.

"Moreover, we are currently fasting. Earlier, the Head of Social Agency told that no complaints in the field, as the needs for sahur and so on have been well handled," he added.

For long-term management, he emphasized the importance of dredging rivers, continuing the water diversion project, and building infiltration wells in channels. He would also coordinate with local leaders in the surrounding areas of Jakarta for comprehensive flood management.

"I will soon hold a meeting with the governor, regent, and mayor who are currently affected by the flood. Because we need support and assistance," he aserted.

Jakarta BPBD Secretary, Marulitua Sijabat uttered the weather modification operations were expected to be conducted for the next five days.

"Today, BNPB has conducted OMC, we may do the same tomorrow or at the latest on Thursday," he stated.

As information, during the visit, the Governor was accompanied by People's Welfare Acting Assistant, Hendra Hidayat; Jakarta SDA Agency Acting Head, Ika Agustin Ningrum;  Central Jakarta Mayor, Arifin; and South Jakarta Mayor, Munjirin.