Pramono Responds to Criticism with Cleanup of Ciliwung After Going Viral
Governor of DKI Pramono Anung has admitted that viral reports from the public greatly assist the Jakarta Provincial Government in expediting the handling of rubbish piles and slums along the Ciliwung River.
The statement was made by Pramono in response to criticism regarding the Ciliwung River area, specifically behind the National Central General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM), which had become slum-like and a mosquito breeding ground until it was cleaned by officials after attracting widespread public scrutiny.
“But indeed, I must admit, the more it goes viral, the better in my opinion, so we can handle it immediately because not all areas can be reached,” Pramono said at the DKI Jakarta City Hall in Central Jakarta on Monday (13/4).
Furthermore, Pramono revealed that the slowness in handling some points is also due to the government’s current focus being drawn to completion projects in other areas.
Nevertheless, he assured that progress on the main projects has shown significant developments in land acquisition.
“First, in terms of coverage area, the reach is quite extensive. And yesterday, the concentration for Ciliwung was actually the normalisation of the Ciliwung River in the Cawang segment. And alhamdulillah, the land acquisition is relatively complete,” Pramono said.
As a form of ongoing commitment to address potential flooding, Pramono has also approved a large-scale dredging programme at the river confluence points.
“Like the one done a few days ago at the meeting point between Ciliwung and Krukut. That also becomes a water source that cannot flow to the sea immediately,” Pramono said.
These concrete steps, according to Pramono, are targeted to be completed in the near future to ensure smooth water circulation without obstacles.
“Therefore, I have approved approximately 178,000 cubic metres, which hopefully will be completed within this year through dredging, so that water from Krukut or Ciliwung can flow to the sea,” Pramono concluded.