Drought Hits Yogyakarta, Eko Suwanto Proposes 'Disaster-Safe River' Concept
Chair of Commission A of the DIY Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DIY), Eko Suwanto, has proposed a Disaster-Safe River concept after discovering potential landslides around the Sembungan Road Bridge in Kapanewon Kasihan, Bantul. The proposal emerged after Commission A conducted monitoring with the Bantul Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and community leaders.
During the inspection on Thursday (30/7), Eko noted that cracks were found in the bridge’s supporting structure and that the soil condition on the riverbank was considered unstable. “The condition of the supporting structure and the soil in the riverbank area is classified as very unstable and has already shifted; the river cliff is only supported by the roots of bamboo trees. We have noted the potential danger and the heavy traffic flow on this route,” Eko said in a written statement.
According to him, this condition needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to the bridge and to anticipate subsequent landslides that could endanger residents and road users. “Today, Commission A members, accompanied by the Bantul Regency BPBD and community leaders, observed the potential for landslide disasters along this river. The traffic flow is also quite heavy, so the safety of road users and residents must be prioritised. I hope the Bantul Regent will act swiftly to resolve this to ensure the safety of local residents,” he stated.
Eko said Commission A of the DPRD DIY will hold a working meeting on Monday next week to discuss the technical handling of the location with relevant agencies. The meeting will also address the handling of drought impacts occurring in Bantul, Gunungkidul, and Sleman. He subsequently proposed the establishment of the Disaster-Safe River concept as a comprehensive disaster mitigation effort.
“There is a need for rapid short-term handling, while also requiring new regulations and a comprehensive concept for river management. Next Monday we will coordinate and formulate together with BBWSO what is called a Disaster-Safe River. We already have Disaster Resilient Villages, Disaster Resilient Sub-districts, and Disaster-Safe Education Units; going forward, I ask for community support to establish Disaster-Safe Rivers,” he explained.
In addition to the landslide issue, Eko also highlighted the impact of the dry season which is beginning to be felt in several areas of DIY. He asked the local government to prepare an adequate budget for drought mitigation, including ensuring that the community’s clean water needs are met. “We have received reports on the impact of the dry season disaster. Disaster impact mitigation is needed so that the community’s clean water needs remain fulfilled. Of course, the local government must handle this with swift action according to its budgetary capacity. The budget must be adequate to support drought disaster mitigation,” he concluded.