Flooding Recurs Since the Start of the Year, Residents Warn: If This Continues, Mudik Could Be Cancelled

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Floods inundating several residential areas in Jakarta are prompting residents to reconsider their Lebaran mudik plans this year.

Dul (51), a resident of Pulo Raya, Petogogan, South Jakarta, said floods have occurred several times so far this year.

The situation means he must rethink plans to return to his hometown with his family.

“Right now I’m just watching how the weather will be,” Dul said at the scene.

However, the flood situation means the plan cannot yet be confirmed.

Flooding that recur due to heavy rain has made him anxious about leaving home.

“If things improve, I’ll mudik; if not, I’ll cancel. If this continues, the weather suggests it will be cancelled,” he said.

A similar sentiment was shared by another resident named Ojo (48). He is still hesitant to mudik because he fears floods may occur again while he is away from home.

“Yes (I want) to mudik but it’s undecided, I’m puzzled because of possible after-effects. Nature, you know, can’t be predicted,” Ojo said.

He even tends to cancel his mudik plans as a precaution if floods come again.

In fact, Ojo travels home to his hometown in Majalengka, West Java for Lebaran every year.

Nevertheless, he is not very disappointed if this year he has to give up his intention to go home.

“Because here we also must stay cautious; meanwhile, back home they’re waiting, but well…,” he said.