Jakarta Governor Pramono Says Cakung Lama River Normalisation Could Cut Flooding by 20%

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has targeted the completion of the Cakung Lama River normalisation by 2028. The project is expected to reduce the impact of flooding in the Kelapa Gading and Cilincing areas by up to 20%.

This was conveyed by Pramono during an inspection of the Cakung Lama River normalisation project in Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Thursday (13/8/2026). Pramono stated that the Cakung Lama River is one of three rivers that are the focus of the Jakarta provincial government.

“In my era, I have decided that normalisation must be carried out seriously. So there are three areas where we are conducting normalisation: first is Ciliwung, second is Cakung Lama, and third is Krukut,” Pramono said.

He noted that the normalisation of the Cakung Lama River will have a significant impact on reducing flooding in Kelapa Gading and Cilincing. Based on calculations, flooding in these areas is expected to be reduced by up to 20%.

“The most important thing is that the two sub-districts, namely Kelapa Gading and Cilincing, will definitely experience a significant reduction,” he stated.

Pramono said residents had previously complained about floodwaters reaching thigh to knee height. With the normalisation, water flow is expected to be smoother towards the estuary and the sea.

“From the calculation results, it is hoped that it can reduce flooding in this area by 20%,” he said.

On the other hand, Pramono mentioned that one bottleneck point is located in Kampung Begog. He hopes that the location determination for land acquisition in the area can be signed soon.

“Hopefully next month, at the end of Kampung Begog, which is the main bottleneck before the estuary, the location determination can be signed by me immediately,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Head of the Jakarta Water Resources Agency, Ika Agustin, said that the Cakung Lama River normalisation, which is targeted until March 2027, has a length of approximately 2.6 kilometres on one side, or 5.2 kilometres if calculated on both sides.

“Currently, about one kilometre has been completed, so we are targeting that by March 2027, 2.6 kilometres will be completed, Mr. Governor,” Ika said.

However, the normalisation work also requires land acquisition in the downstream section. Ika stated that the downstream segment is crucial because if it is not cleared, the water flow from the widened section will still be obstructed.