Governor Inspects Dredging Work to Ensure Optimal Flow of the Sepak River
Reported by Dessy Suciati | Translated by
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung inspected the dredging works at the Sepak River near Jalan Pulau Bira bridge in Kembangan, West Jakarta, on Monday (1/26).
The Sepak River is one of Jakarta's main cross-provincial outlets.
The dredging is a preventive measure to ensure optimal water flow to the Cengkareng Drain amid recent heavy rainfall in Jakarta. Three excavators are deployed for the work.
"Why did I want to check this location again? Because this area is routinely dredged to ensure the water can flow properly," Pramono said.
Dredging of Gang Puskesmas Drainage CompletedThe Sepak River is one of Jakarta's main cross-provincial outlets, along with the Pesanggrahan River, Mookervaart River, and Angke River. Pramono noted that dredging is not only being carried out at the Sepak River but also across various rivers in Jakarta, with a total of 200 excavators on standby to maintain river capacity.
Through these efforts, Pramono said flood conditions in Jakarta are currently under control, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. He directed the Water Resources (SDA) Agency to maintain flood mitigation efforts amid BMKG forecasts of heavy rainfall the following day.
"Therefore, we will continue the dredging," he added.
He also instructed that Weather Modification Effort (OMC) remain in place to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.
Despite ongoing dredging, Pramono acknowledged the limitations of Jakarta's rainwater catchment areas, which are currently only able to accommodate rainfall of up to 150 millimeters per day. As a medium-term solution, the Jakarta Provincial Government will prioritize normalization efforts on three main rivers: Ciliwung River, Krukut River, and Cakung Lama River.
On this occasion, Pramono urged residents to stop dumping waste into rivers. He asked the West Jakarta mayor to review stricter regulations for residents caught disposing of trash indiscriminately, particularly into waterways.
"If waste dumping continues, it will disrupt the Cengkareng Drain and also interfere with floodgates that we manage. For that reason, we appeal for public awareness," Pramono emphasized.
Meanwhile, regarding post-flood waste accumulation in West Jakarta, Mayor Iin Mutmainnah said her administration has deployed the Environment Sub-agency to work together with residents to clean up the trash.
The waste is being transported gradually. As of Sunday, a total of 20 garbage trucks had been sent to the Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST).
Jakarta Water Resources (SDA) Agency Head Ika Agustin Ningrum explained that dredged sediment from rivers across the city is managed properly and not dumped at random.
"All dredged waste from across Jakarta is transported to our dumping site at the Ancol CDF," she said.
For information, the Sepak River is one of the macro drainage channels that collects water discharge from micro channels and connecting channels in the Kembangan Sub-district, West Jakarta, before flowing into the Angke River.
As an essential part of the area's drainage system, the condition of the Sepak River must be maintained to function optimally, including through regular dredging. This measure is intended to increase water holding capacity, improve flow, and address sediment and waste buildup.
