Govt to build flood control system in southern Java

JAKARTA (JP): The government is planning to build a flood control system at the southern part of Java in an effort to deal with related natural disasters in the area, an official said on Wednesday.

"This long-term project will be implemented through drainage construction at eight major rivers in Central Java which flow to the southern coast of Java," Director General for Village Development at the Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno told media after a meeting on clean river program.

"From Yogyakarta to Cilacap, there are eight rivers blocked by sand due to strong ocean currents and waves at the south coast of Java," he said.

"Therefore, the ministry is planning to build open drainage systems to avoid possible sand deposits due to continuous ocean waves in rivers of Uluk Ulo, Bogowonto, Cokroyasa, Ijo, Telomoyo, Tipar, Serayu and Wawar."

The project, which is slated to be completed in 2004, is estimated to cost around Rp 300 billion (US$32.6 million). A part of the project's expenditures will be financed through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan.

"This year the (drainage) development priority is at Wawar river in Gombong, Central Java. Hopefully the construction in Gombong will be completed next year," Soenarno said.

He said Central Java is still prone to floods and landslides since many of the province's rivers are not properly managed with adequate supporting construction such as dam or drainage system.

"In such conditions, if the area experiences torrential rains, floods will be unavoidable," he said.

Central Java is home to 128 streams, which need drainage construction of at least 8,000 kilometers, he explained.

"So far there is only 4,067 kilometers of drainage construction, some 165 kilometers of which are in critical condition.

"This could cause a massive flood, especially in southern coastal area, from Yogyakarta to Cilacap regency," the official said.

"Therefore, we call on all people and related authorities to be alert to this condition especially with the recent landslides. We should have an early warning system," he added.

As for the flood control system in Purbalingga, Central Java, Soenarno said that Klawing river, which is a branch of Bogowonto, will also be included in the project.

"Klawing river -- which is long and full of curves -- has potential to damage the existing infrastructure, including dam and bridges. Therefore it should go into the program, too," Soenarno said.

Flood and landslides in regencies of Purworejo and Cilacap have claimed at least 78 people in the past couple of weeks.

Most of the incidents were blamed on widespread environmental destruction which resulted from continuous and rampant illegal cutting in tropical forest in Cilacap area, as well as sedimentation due to massive household and industrial activities which affected its rivers. (edt)