BPBD confirms Sidoarjo mud embankment is in safe condition
Sidoarjo, East Java (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Sidoarjo Regency has confirmed that the Sidoarjo mud embankment is in a safe condition following the circulation of information about an alleged seepage at the mud pond embankment.
Sabinno Mariano, Head of BPBD Sidoarjo Regency, said on Friday that the information about the suspected seepage spread on social media on Friday (10 July) at midday, claiming there was an overflow on the embankment of the mud pond in Siring Village, Porong Subdistrict, specifically in the southern section near the severed former toll road.
According to him, BPBD received a report on the matter at around 13:32 and immediately deployed personnel to the location to verify field conditions, which was carried out at around 14:30.
In addition to a direct inspection, Sabinno said BPBD also coordinated with the Sidoarjo Mud Control Centre (PPLS) to determine the cause of the mud material that appeared to be overflowing in the embankment area.
The coordination results showed that the condition of the mud embankment is continuously monitored and controlled by PPLS, and no indications of leakage or damage to the embankment structure were found.
The mud material seen emerging was the result of dredging activity using heavy equipment in the form of an excavator, as part of embankment maintenance and reinforcement work.
The activity was also carried out to improve safety capacity by raising the height of the embankment, so that it can better control the mud flow rate.
BPBD emphasised that conditions at the site did not indicate an emergency situation or any threat to the community, as all ongoing activities remained under the supervision of the relevant officials.
“Based on the results of our monitoring, the condition of the mud embankment in Porong falls within the safe category,” said Sabinno.
He explained that the planned 1.5-metre increase in embankment height was considered sufficient to safely control the mud flow rate.