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