House Commission V to Facilitate Construction of Retention Pond to Address Flooding in Kendari

Kendari (ANTARA) - Commission V of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) is ready to facilitate the acceleration of the Nanga-Nanga retention pond construction to address the annual flood disaster in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province (Sultra). Deputy Chairman of Commission V of the DPR RI, Ridwan Bae, in Kendari on Wednesday, stated that they are prepared to bridge the local government with the ministry to ensure the implementation of this infrastructure development. According to him, flooding in Kendari frequently occurs during every rainy season. “We will invite the mayor or governor to discuss this issue with the ministry,” said Ridwan. He mentioned that this strategic project is touted to be the saviour of Kendari City from annual flood threats through an ecosystem-based water control system. Meanwhile, Mayor Siska Karina Imran stated that the presence of this infrastructure is not merely physical development, but a form of the government’s presence in responding to public complaints. “This is a strategic step. We are very grateful to Commission V of the DPR RI for bringing our aspirations to the central level,” said Siska. Based on technical data, the construction of the Nanga-Nanga retention pond project, estimated to cost Rp385.34 billion, has very significant specifications. This pond is capable of holding up to 1.58 million cubic metres of water on a 45.54-hectare plot of land and is projected to reduce flood discharge by up to 54.14 per cent. “This is a crucial figure to keep the downstream areas dry during high rainfall,” he said. He added that the Nanga-Nanga retention pond will not only appear as a rigid dam. The government has designed this area as a Sports and Recreation Centre, becoming a new public open space for Kendari residents, a conservation area to maintain groundwater reserves and the surrounding environmental quality. At the same location, Acting Director General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), Adenan Rasy, added that the government is currently focusing on renewing the location determination, and the land acquisition process can be fully completed by 2026. “The construction of the Nanga-Nanga retention pond is hoped to become a historical milestone in the transformation of Kendari City’s infrastructure to be more resilient, modern, and sustainable,” he said.