Preventing Floods: OKU Police District Takes Action to Improve Drainage and River Channels

Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency has recently been hit by heavy rainfall. Through the South Sumatra Police Regional Command’s Gerakan Belida initiative, the OKU Police District has been implementing mitigation measures to reduce the impact of waterlogging that could disrupt community activities. In a South Sumatra Police Regional Command (Polda Sumsel) statement on Sunday (31 May 2026), waterlogging was triggered by heavy rainfall exacerbated by clogged drainage channels and silted riverbeds at several points. This has hindered optimal water flow, increasing the risk of flooding. OKU Police District’s Head of Community Affairs, AKP Ujang Abdul Aziz, stated that Gerakan Belida is a collaborative effort to raise environmental awareness and strengthen community preparedness for hydro-meteorological disasters. “Addressing waterlogging is not solely the government’s responsibility but requires the involvement of all community elements. Through Gerakan Belida, we encourage the public to collectively maintain clean water channels and surroundings to minimise flooding risks,” he said. This initiative forms part of OKU Police District’s strategy to support environmental resilience, public safety, and the smooth operation of social and economic activities. The mitigation efforts align with South Sumatra Police Regional Command’s ‘Have You Done Something Good Today?’ programme, which encourages all police personnel to make tangible contributions to the community. OKU Police District Chief AKBP Endro Aribowo stated that preventive measures must be prioritised in response to increasingly dynamic weather conditions. “Mitigation is key. With strong synergy between the police, local government, and the community, potential disruptions from extreme weather can be anticipated early, thereby reducing their impact on the public,” he added. Meanwhile, South Sumatra Police Regional Command’s Head of Public Relations, Kombes Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, emphasised that police involvement in environmental and disaster mitigation issues is part of public service focused on public safety. “The police are not only present during security disruptions but also actively oversee preventive efforts against potential risks that could disrupt community life. Through Polda Sumsel’s Gerakan Belida, we aim to foster collective awareness that environmental stewardship is a crucial investment in future public safety and welfare,” he said. Through Gerakan Belida, OKU Police District continues to strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders to create a safer, healthier, and more resilient environment against natural challenges, while maintaining social stability and economic activities for the people of OKU Regency.