Residents of Villa Pamulang Mas in South Tangerang Reject Embankment Plan, Fearing Tree Felling Will Worsen Flooding

Residents of RT 002/008 in Villa Pamulang Mas II, Setu District, South Tangerang City, are rejecting plans to build a one-metre-high embankment along the riverbank because it would involve felling trees around the river flow.

RT 002/008 Secretary Heri Pratikto (63) stated that the opposition is primarily from residents living closest to the river in the RT 02 area.

According to him, the tree felling is feared to worsen flood risks due to reduced water absorption capacity in the area.

“If those trees are cut down, it will become hot. Water absorption will also decrease, that’s what the residents are worried about,” Heri said when met by Kompas.com at the location on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

“I’m afraid the water won’t be able to drain out and will stagnate longer,” Heri added.

Therefore, residents propose that the South Tangerang City Government (Pemkot) maximise the function of other existing waterways around the location.

In the area, there are two river flows, each about three metres wide, but their depths differ, so one flow has not functioned optimally for about 10 years.

“Over there, there’s another river, built in 2014, but for about 10 years now it hasn’t been maximal. It’s better if that’s dredged or deepened so the flow is smooth,” Heri said.

Heri explained that the Villa Pamulang Mas II area has indeed experienced flooding for more than a decade.

During heavy rain, water levels can reach 30 to 50 centimetres and often enter residents’ homes.

“Hopefully there’s a solution that’s good for everyone. If possible, the trees aren’t felled, and the existing waterways are maximised,” Heri stated.