Expert: Diversion of Ciputat River Could Face Spatial Planning Sanctions
SOUTH TANGERANG, KOMPAS.com — An urban planning expert from Trisakti University, Yayat Supriyatna, assesses that the suspected diversion of the Ciputat River flow in Bintaro, South Tangerang, has the potential to violate spatial planning regulations and could be subject to sanctions.
“This must first be examined whose interests are at stake, and who is responsible for the diversion. In spatial planning, any alteration to the landscape that causes harm can result in sanctions,” Yayat stated when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday (27/4/2026).
This spotlight comes amid findings by the Special Committee (Pansus) for the Regional Spatial Planning Plan (RTRW) Bill of the South Tangerang DPRD, which discovered that the Ciputat River flow is no longer running normally.
This change is said to impact an increased flood risk in downstream areas, particularly the Maharta region and surroundings.
The water discharge, which should be divided into two channels, is now concentrated in one flow, making the river’s capacity suboptimal during heavy rains.
Yayat stated that the suspected river flow diversion cannot be concluded without comprehensive research.
“Water has its own spatial planning. If diverted, the implications are on the load. People sometimes see the water as small, but do not calculate that during heavy rain, the discharge increases,” he said.
This condition causes an increase in water runoff, which ultimately burdens the downstream river flow.
“In the past, there were many open spaces; now they are gone. Water runoff is higher and enters the river, thus increasing the burden,” he explained.
Regarding the developers’ claims that they have obtained studies and central government approval, Yayat emphasised that field facts remain the primary indicator.
He also encouraged the DPRD to delve deeper into this issue through a thorough investigation, including reviewing the licensing documents and environmental studies held by the relevant parties.