Let's Help Muara Gembong Residents Get a Water Ambulance to Reach the Health Centre During Floods
A water ambulance is an essential need for the residents of Desa Pantai Mekar, Muara Gembong Subdistrict, Bekasi Regency, West Java. The majority of residents here work as fishermen or own fishing spots, and they cannot access the puskesmas or other health facilities during rob floods.
“We are at a loss every time a rob flood occurs. When someone falls ill, they don’t get treatment; there are births on the road, and even deaths. With a water ambulance, it could help residents reach the puskesmas. We really hope to have a water ambulance,” said Amin Syaefudin, a volunteer from berbuatbaik.id in Muara Gembong.
According to Amin, rob floods can last more than three days and occur several times a month. This condition poses risks to residents with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions requiring regular check-ups. They cannot access medication or examinations, causing their conditions to worsen.
Amin stated that currently, residents work together to carry patients who need treatment during rob floods. Patients are taken to higher ground before heading to the puskesmas. This method is far from ideal for elderly patients or those in late pregnancy.
However, there is no other method available when rob floods hit the village. For context, the distance from Desa Pantai Mekar to Puskesmas Muara Gembong is approximately 7 km. Meanwhile, the distance from the village to the nearest jetty for patient pickup is about 1 km.
Conditions in Desa Pantai Mekar
Desa Pantai Mekar is one of the areas in Bekasi Regency affected by abrasion and river sedimentation. Abrasion erodes the coastline, forcing residents to move to higher ground. The abrasion is caused by the conversion of mangrove ecosystems into shrimp pond cultivation.
Abrasion and sedimentation are also caused by coal barges docking in ports around Muara Gembong. According to Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Kerang Dara Joint Business Group (KUB), the barges require dredging ships to deepen the waters where they anchor.
“From there, it gets carried over here, so now the river here is no longer deep,” said Aziz, who is also a resident of Desa Pantai Mekar.
According to Aziz, abrasion and sedimentation have submerged approximately 200 hectares of the Muara Gembong area. This area, known as the ‘lost village’, was originally inhabited like other neighbourhoods. However, as the land diminishes and sea levels rise, residents are forced to leave their homes.
Aziz said that to date, there has been no relocation order for Muara Gembong residents. The community continues to endure because that is where they work and live their daily lives. Residents of Pantai Mekar are trying to survive with whatever they have.