Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure pushes for acceleration of Ciliwung River normalisation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko IPK) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) is pushing for the acceleration of the Ciliwung River normalisation as part of flood control efforts. “The explanation from the Head of the Ciliwung-Cisadane River Basin Organisation (BBWS) was that it was planned to be completed in 2027, but due to various dynamic factors and others, it has been delayed to 2028-2029, so we can say that we are focusing on the next two years to complete it,” said AHY. In a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, AHY stated that the normalisation of the Ciliwung River, spanning 33.69 km, has already completed more than half, or 52 percent. As for the remainder, the government is accelerating the work because several points have been identified for prioritisation. “Because Indonesia’s territory is vast, there are many priorities, but we are focusing on those that are truly vulnerable and require immediate infrastructure strengthening,” said AHY. On the same occasion, Deputy Minister of Public Works (Wamen PU) Diana Kusumastuti conveyed that the challenge in normalising the Ciliwung River is land acquisition. “This is actually the problem of land that has not yet been freed, so when we want to build those embankments, the land is not yet free, so we cannot work yet,” said Diana. “Therefore, we will adjust the timeline again until 2027. Insha Allah, there will be no obstacles and the embankments can be completed for 16 km. This is not only with Jakarta, but also towards West Java; for the part in West Java, we will coordinate with the West Java Provincial Government,” said Diana.