Disruption of River Flow in Marunda Due to Mud from Rusunawa Project

JAKARTA - The flow of Kali Anak Blencong in Marunda, North Jakarta, has been disrupted over the past few days. Residents suspect that the mud now covering the river channel originates from the landfilling process for the Rusunawa Marunda project. This situation has reportedly left residents perplexed. “The blockage has only occurred in recent weeks. That’s the main access route there, for the water to enter and exit,” said Nesar, Chairman of RT 07/RW 07 Marunda, when met by Kompas.com on Monday. Nesar claimed he was unaware that the river flow was being used as a dumping point for the Rusunawa Marunda project. “We didn’t even know it was being filled up to that point,” he stated. According to him, he had already communicated with the project side upon learning of the river’s disruption. However, the suggestions he provided have not yet been implemented. “That’s why yesterday I directed them, ‘So if it’s from the mud pile, on the right side there are those trees, right? Those trees should be cleared and dredged. So the flow can go along the edge, not in the middle of the bridge anymore,’ like that,” he explained. “But when I go to work in the morning, passing by, ‘Why is it coming this way?’ Then the next day passing by again, ‘Coming this way?’ And it’s getting closer and closer,” he added. He explained that the confused reactions from nearby residents and RT officials could occur because they had never received specific socialisation regarding the landfilling near the river area and bridge. “There was no warning, no socialisation, no notification, no meeting, or I mean I don’t understand,” he said. The flow of Kali Anak Blencong, which residents say is blocked, is located right on the left side of the bridge on Jalan Rumah Si Pitung.