DKI Legislator Urges Flood-Control Infrastructure to Operate Optimally

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) member Hardiyanto Kenneth has urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to ensure that all flood-control infrastructure is operating optimally after the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecast peak heavy rainfall and extreme weather in February 2027.

“We are asking the provincial government to inspect immediately and ensure that all flood-control infrastructure can operate optimally,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Monday.

The legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction stressed that the BMKG forecast should be taken seriously by both the Jakarta Provincial Government and the public.

“Extreme weather could trigger floods, inundation, fallen trees and disruptions to residents’ mobility,” he said.

He said inspections should cover waterways, culverts, pump houses, floodgates, embankments and drainage facilities, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Kenneth said flood-control efforts could not rely on infrastructure development alone. “Disaster mitigation education and greater public awareness must also be pursued continuously,” he said.

He also urged the Jakarta Health Agency to ensure that community health centres and hospitals were prepared, particularly in flood-prone areas.

He said supplies of medicines, medical staff, ambulances and health equipment must be adequate to meet any potential increase in demand for healthcare services.

“Vulnerable groups, including children, older people, pregnant women, people with disabilities and residents with chronic illnesses, must also be prioritised during evacuations and in the provision of healthcare,” he said.

Kenneth, as he is commonly known, also called on all members of the public to prepare for emergencies at the family level.

Residents were advised to have an evacuation plan, know the location of the nearest shelter and prepare an emergency bag containing important documents, medicines, first-aid supplies, clothing, food, drinking water, a torch and other emergency necessities.

The head of the Jakarta branch of the PDI-P’s Disaster Management Agency (BAGUNA) also underscored the importance of coordination among agencies in responding to the risk of extreme weather.

“The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Water Resources Agency, the Health Agency, the Environment Agency, the Social Affairs Agency and other relevant institutions must ensure that personnel and disaster-response equipment are ready,” he said.

He also urged the public to help reduce flood risks by not littering, especially in rivers, streams, ditches and drainage channels.