Jakarta Floods Again as Governor Points to Heavy Rainfall and Tidal Waters as Root Causes
Jakarta was inundated with flooding again beginning Sunday, 8 March 2026, caused by heavy rainfall that commenced on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
According to data from the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of DKI Jakarta, flooding occurred in 39 neighbourhood units (RT) and 13 road segments on Sunday at 04:00 WIB. By 08:00 WIB, BPBD reported the flooding had expanded to 75 neighbourhood units and 19 road segments across South Jakarta, West Jakarta, and East Jakarta.
The latest BPBD data from Monday, 9 March 2026, at 04:00 WIB showed flooding still inundating 18 neighbourhood units and two road segments in Jakarta.
Governor Pramono Anung highlighted the severity of the situation at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta on Sunday, stating: “That includes rainfall that is very, very, very high.”
Pramono also warned residents about overflow flooding from surrounding areas such as Bogor and Tangerang. With rainfall levels similarly elevated across the Jabodetabek region, water flow into Jakarta was inevitable.
“Because up there, whether in Bogor, Tangerang, and so forth, rainfall is also high, there will definitely be water flowing into Jakarta,” he said.
In response, Pramono reported coordinating with relevant agencies, particularly the Water Resources Service (SDA), to conduct pumping operations at multiple locations from Saturday evening. A total of 1,200 pumps, including portable units, were deployed.
Pumping operations beginning Sunday morning reportedly improved traffic flow at several points, though standing water remained.
“Because today rainfall is indeed high and there is a possibility of water from above, we will handle it together,” Pramono stated.
Pramono acknowledged that flooding in Jakarta cannot be completely prevented even with ongoing river normalisation efforts. According to him, normalisation work already conducted on the Ciliwung River, Cakung Lama, and Krukut rivers can only reduce flooding rather than eliminate it entirely.
“And if that can be addressed, then it will reduce flooding in Jakarta. But if the complete elimination of Jakarta’s flooding is the goal, that is impossible,” Pramono concluded.