Poor Drainage Causes Flooding on Protocol Roads in Tasikmalaya

Heavy rain in Tasikmalaya City, West Java, has caused flooding on several protocol roads and rice fields. The flooding is due to poor drainage channels. Several vehicles stalled while attempting to pass through the flooded areas. Flooding was observed on Jalan Saptamarga, BKR Dadaha, SL Tobing, Unsil, Cikalang, M Hatta, and others. Drainage overflow flooding has caused traffic jams. Many vehicles broke down after passing through the water pools. “The heavy rain that occurred since noon and this afternoon caused the drainage channels to be unable to hold the water until it overflowed and flooded the protocol roads. Residents are trying to drain the water. They found a lot of plastic waste clogging the flow,” said Toto, 56, a resident of Jalan Saptamarga, Cikalang Ward, on Thursday (2/4). According to him, the drainage overflow flooding on Jalan Saptamarga also occurred due to sedimentation in the river. The sidewalks and drainage built in 2025 are not functioning. In addition, along the protocol roads, there is no water absorption because it is concreted. “The drainage repairs are not proper. The holes are narrow, there is a lot of plastic waste, and narrowing of the culverts has occurred,” he continued. Meanwhile, motorcyclist Budhi, 30, a resident of Nyantong, said that the poor drainage channels have caused queues of vehicles heading to Singaparna. Severe traffic jams occurred on Jalan Mangkubumi and SL Tobing routes. “We ask the local government not to take projects lightly. Don’t just complete them and reap big profits,” he emphasised. There are at least 17 road sections on the list for repairs this year.