Majority of Kebon Pala Residents Accept Ciliwung River Normalisation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The majority of residents in Kebon Pala, Kampung Melayu, have expressed their acceptance of the planned normalisation of the Ciliwung River to address flooding in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

“Many have accepted the plan for the Ciliwung River normalisation to tackle flooding,” said Sanusi, head of RT 13/RW 04 Kampung Melayu, in Kebon Pala, East Jakarta, on Friday.

Sanusi said the Ciliwung River normalisation plan in the Kampung Melayu area has entered the data collection phase. The process was carried out several months ago by relevant parties from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.

“The data collection has already taken place. It was done several months ago,” Sanusi said.

The data collection was conducted as part of the initial stages of the Ciliwung River normalisation plan, which passes through the densely populated residential area of Kampung Melayu.

The area is frequently affected by flooding when river water levels rise, particularly when heavy rainfall hits both the upstream areas and Jakarta simultaneously.

According to Sanusi, the majority of residents in his neighbourhood have so far accepted the normalisation plan.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that a small number of residents harbour concerns about potential impacts, particularly regarding their homes.

The Ciliwung River normalisation is one of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s strategic programmes for flood control. The programme encompasses the widening and dredging of the river, as well as the clearance of structures built along the riverbanks to restore optimal water flow.

A number of residents expressed hope that if the normalisation is indeed carried out, the government will also give due attention to social aspects, including adequate relocation and fair compensation for affected residents.

They also want the process to be transparent and to involve the community at every stage.