Legislator Backs River Normalization to Tackle Floods

Jakarta City Council Commission D Member, Ida Mahmuda backed the Jakarta administration's push to prioritize the normalization of three key rivers—Ciliwung, Krukut, and Cakung Barat—calling it a vital long-term fix for the capital's annual floods.

we need to bring back these clean-up action programs

She praised the targeted approach as "the right move," arguing that citywide simultaneous intervention is unrealistic. Instead, she advocated for a measured priority system that addresses critical areas without neglecting the upkeep of other districts.

"Trying to tackle everything simultaneously is impossible, so we must have a focus. But even in areas that aren't the main concentration, work is still being done, even if the scale is smaller. This is a commendable effort," she expressed, Monday (1/26).

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Nevertheless, she urged the administration not to neglect routine operations, including the dredging and maintenance of water channels in non-priority zones.

To ensure accountability, she pledged to closely monitor the flood relief efforts by requiring periodic updates from the city's public works agencies.

"We’ll monitor progress through committee hearings and site visits to make sure the Governor’s goals are being met,” she explained.

She remains confident in the flood relief efforts, pointing to the expertise of Jakarta’s Water Resources Agency (SDA) Head, Ika Agustin Ningrum.

However, she stressed that the government cannot do it alone, calling public participation "essential." She is calling on local administrators at every level to bring back routine communal work programs to keep the city’s waterways clear.

Ida argued that neighborhood clean-ups must be a city-wide effort, reaching beyond crowded areas to include housing complexes and estates. She believes such initiatives build a bridge between the city administration and the public to keep Jakarta clean.

“With extreme weather becoming harder to predict, we need to bring back these communal work programs. Residents can do their part by making sure the gutters in front of their houses are clear of debris,” she closed.