Landslides on the Ciliwung Riverbank in Kebon Baru Tebet Have Occurred Eight Times

Landslides in densely populated settlements along the Ciliwung Riverbank at Kebon Baru, Tebet, South Jakarta, are not a new phenomenon. In recent years, landslides have occurred at least eight times, causing several homes to be washed into the Ciliwung. “Many of my residents have already experienced landslides. I am included as well. So far, it seems total has reached eight landslides; usually half of the houses disappear, this is the worst — everything is destroyed and carried away,” said Irma, head of RT 06 RW 10 Kebon Baru, to Kompas.com at the site on Saturday, 7 March 2026. “My house on the riverbank was also like that. What year? I was in college in 1999, so 2002 then there was a landslide, half the house disappeared,” she said. According to Irma, the threat of landslides has intensified because the river’s riverbank surface is being eroded by abrasion. In her observation, the river contour has widened by around five to ten metres toward the settlements. This has increased the risk for residents who have built houses for decades. Another landslide occurred on 22 February, exactly on the fourth day of Ramadan. The landslide damaged half of a resident’s house a few days ago. However, due to economic constraints and the lack of alternative shelter, residents whose homes were eroded can only accept it and rebuild the remaining portion. “Yes, I’ll fix it, where should I move to? Up to now I’m still in the same house, just repairing it. The repair costs are paid by ourselves; at most there is some assistance, but even that involves bureaucratic difficulties,” added Irma. Irma explained that residents are caught in a dilemma. On one hand, the threat of landslides triggers fear, but on the other hand relocation talks have yet to reach a clear conclusion. The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI), through the Dinas Sumber Daya Air (SDA), is said to have contemplated land acquisition for widening the river’s edge for several years. The rule on the minimum distance of dwellings from the river, formerly 25 metres, has now been expanded to 37 metres.