Central Java allocates Rp400 million for seawall rehabilitation causing tidal flooding in Pati
The Central Java Provincial Government has prepared a budget of Rp400 million for the rehabilitation of the approximately 450-metre Tunggulsari seawall in Tayu District, Pati Regency, to anticipate tidal floods from entering residential areas.
"We are ensuring that emergency measures are immediately taken to protect the settlements of residents in Tunggulsari Village, Tayu District, Pati Regency, from seawater inundation," said Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi during a direct inspection of the tidal flood-affected location in Tunggulsari Village, Pati, on Tuesday.
He revealed that after conducting an inspection, a meeting was immediately held and finalised. Today (23/6), a decision was made that the most important short-term action is to build a seawall with a prepared budget of Rp400 million.
In addition to physical intervention, the Central Java Provincial Government is also distributing various aid to affected communities, including logistics, foodstuffs, medicines, school supplies, and other basic necessities with a total value reaching Rp316 million.
"Village head, please ensure this aid is right on target. Distribute it to the community immediately," said Ahmad Luthfi while giving directives in a limited meeting.
He also instructed the Health Office, Education Office, and the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to continue providing assistance. The Health Office has deployed a team for public health services for those affected. The Education Office was asked to map whether any schools and schoolchildren are affected in order to provide aid.
Meanwhile, for medium- and long-term handling, a more comprehensive approach will be undertaken between the Central Java Provincial Government, the Pati Regency Government, and other relevant agencies. This includes seeking support from the central government to develop coastal areas through mangrove planting, as well as studies for the construction of permanent seawalls and breakwaters.
"We will meet again later to take more comprehensive steps," he said.
During Ahmad Luthfi’s visit to the location, he was greeted with embraces and tears of emotion from local residents.
Sugiono, a resident of Tunggulsari Village who had the opportunity to embrace Ahmad Luthfi, expressed his hopes and gratitude for the visit to see the condition of the Tunggulsari community. He hopes the breached seawall will be repaired soon so that tidal floodwater does not inundate residents’ homes.
"Hopefully, with the Governor’s visit and his assistance, it will be beneficial for our residents. The aid includes basic food packages, mattresses, and various household necessities. Everything has been implemented, just waiting for distribution," he said.
Another resident, Jumiah, conveyed the same sentiment. She is the homeowner whose house condition was checked by Ahmad Luthfi. When they met, she recounted how her house had been submerged in water up to about 50 centimetres.
"Yesterday the water was quite high. Thank you, Governor, for being willing to visit and check on us," she said.