Overcoming Jakarta's floods

Overcoming Jakarta's floods

The State Minister for National Development Planning/Chairman of the National Development Planning Board, Ginandjar Kartasasmita, has disclosed that the government will need about Rp 2 trillion (US$1 billion) to overcome the problem of flooding in the Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi areas.

Judging by the amount of money needed, it is clear that the problem of flooding in Jakarta has now become a most serious one that cannot be tackled in a piecemeal manner.

The problem, however, is that the public has heard this kind of government intention often enough before. The fact is that the problem has still not been overcome. Instead floods hit Jakarta with increasing severity.

It cannot be denied that the government has taken several measures to tackle the problem. Unfortunately, as can be seen, the efforts have only been aimed at finding partial solutions.

The fact is that whatever amount is spent, the money will only be depleted devising programs that are intended to stem the floods and yet flooding will continue in Jakarta as long as the efforts that are taken remain piecemeal and lack coordination.

Coordination is the key word in trying to overcome the problem of floods in the capital city. In addition, the participation of the community is needed, because without full awareness on the part of the public concerning the importance of preserving the environment no program can succeed and no amount of money can bring the desired results.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta