Residents Complain of Tidal Flooding Submerging Homes for Almost a Month
Residents in Cirebon Regency, West Java, have voiced concerns over worsening tidal flooding (rob), a natural phenomenon that has persisted for years and has now reached its most severe level, prompting protests demanding permanent sea walls to protect residential areas.
Sanuri, a resident of Ambulu Village in Losari District, stated that although tidal flooding has affected the area for nearly nine years, this year’s inundation intensity is the most extreme. Previously, the flooding occurred only a few times a month, but now seawater submerges homes almost continuously.
“The tidal flooding in our village has worsened significantly. Previously, it would happen a few times a month, but now our homes are submerged for nearly 20 days each month,” Sanuri said during a Monday (25 May) interview.
According to resident data, approximately 70% of Ambulu Village’s residential areas are directly affected, with water levels ranging from 20 to 50 centimetres. The corrosive seawater is beginning to permanently damage the foundations of residents’ homes.
The local economy has been completely crippled. Tidal flooding not only impacts homes but also destroys fishponds, the primary livelihood for coastal communities. Many fish farmers and fishermen have lost their income as their land is no longer productive due to saltwater intrusion.
Ironically, despite losing their income, residents still have to pay Property and Building Tax (PBB) on land that is no longer usable. This has prompted Ambulu Village residents to stage a protest at the Cirebon Regent’s office today.
“On 24 July 2025, we held an audience with the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). However, the tidal flooding and saltwater intrusion issues remain unaddressed systematically,” Sanuri added.
In response to the demands, Cirebon Vice Regent Agus Kurniawan Budiman stated that his office would immediately conduct a field visit to Ambulu Village as an emergency measure. The local government plans to construct temporary sea walls using heavy machinery and sandbag installations, supported by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Regarding the tax complaints, Agus promised coordination with the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) to assess potential tax relief for affected land.
“We will map the land and coordinate with Bapenda regarding tax relief for unproductive fishponds. We will also report to the Regent for special policies,” Agus explained.
Furthermore, Agus explained that since 2025, the Cirebon Regency government has been coordinating with the central government on plans to build a giant sea wall along the North Coast (Pantura) as a long-term solution. However, until this national strategic project is realised, local mitigation efforts will continue to alleviate the burden on affected residents.