Pramono Believes River Normalisation Will Reduce Flooding: Not Possible to Eliminate It Completely

Floodwaters inundated several areas of Jakarta after overnight rainfall. Governor Pramono Anung said he is confident that the normalisation of three rivers—Ciliwung, Cakung Lama, and Krukut—can reduce flooding. ‘So, today’s floods are a result of an exceptionally high rainfall of 264 mm, occurring for almost the whole day,’ Pramono told reporters on Sunday, 8 March 2026. ‘And in fact, the Jakarta provincial government has carried out the normalisation of three rivers: Ciliwung, Cakung Lama, and Krukut,’ he added. Pramono said the normalisation of Kali Cakung Lama is targeted for completion in 2027. ‘Hopefully Kali Cakung Lama will be completed by 2027, and if that can be finished, it will reduce flooding in Jakarta,’ he said. ‘But eliminating flooding entirely in Jakarta is not possible because sea levels are now higher than Jakarta’s land surface,’ he added.

Floods Submerge 148 RT

BPBD Jakarta updated the flood-affected points as a result of the overnight rain. The latest figure shows 148 RT and 20 roads flooded. ‘BPBD noted that as of 09:00 WIB there were 148 RT and 20 roads flooded,’ said BPBD Jakarta Acting Chief Isnawa Adji on Sunday, 8 March 2026. He said the data were collected up to 09:00 WIB. According to the data, flood heights reached up to 1.7 metres.

BPBD Jakarta deployed personnel to monitor flood conditions in each area. They are also coordinating with relevant stakeholders to pump out floodwater and ensure water-control channels function properly.