A Month On, Black and Foul-Smelling Flooding in West Cengkareng Persists

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Thick black floodwaters emitting a foul odour continue to inundate residents’ settlements in RT 03 RW 06, Cengkareng Barat, West Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

It has been more than a month since these wastewater pools began persisting, resulting from the impact of a floodgate construction project along the Kali Apuran river flow.

Based on observations by Kompas.com at the site, empty land around residents’ homes remains filled with standing water.

What was previously dry land is now covered in water mixed with piles of plastic rubbish and household waste.

Amid the filthy pools, wooden structures typically used as livestock pens for chickens and birds are submerged at their bases.

The water stagnates without flowing and smells, serving as a breeding ground for mosquito larvae and posing disease risks to nearby residents.

This flooding condition stems from the river flow being dammed due to the floodgate construction project on the side of Jalan Outer Ring Road.

Several workers wearing yellow helmets were seen active in the drying excavation area.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the river water held back by the dam appears dark, foamy, and immobile.

Lia (41), a resident of RT 03 RW 06, stated that the flooding has occurred since early April.

Water pumped out often returns to the settlements because the Kali Apuran channel is full from being blocked.