KDM: To Prevent Flooding in Bekasi to Jakarta, Protect Bogor from Mere Exploitation

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG — Damage to spatial planning in the Bogor area does not only trigger flooding and landslides in the local region. However, it also impacts downstream areas such as Jakarta.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi assesses that the massive change in land function in water catchment areas and hills is the main factor increasing the frequency of disasters in Bogor in recent years.

“I fully understand the various problems of environmental damage in Bogor Regency. Much of the flooding and landslides are caused by changes in spatial planning,” he stated in his remarks on Tuesday (5/5/2026).

He explained that green land, which should function as water absorption and landslide barriers, has now been largely repurposed. One example is its conversion into residential areas.

These changes, he continued, have occurred on a large scale since previous spatial planning policies. The impact is not only felt in Bogor but extends to other downstream areas.

“Bogor is not just for the people of Bogor. Bogor protects Bekasi, Karawang, up to Jakarta,” he stressed.

KDM specifically highlighted the Sukamakmur area, which he assesses has undergone significant changes. The hills in that region have largely turned into housing estates, thereby increasing the risk of landslides and river overflows that affect lower areas.