Reviewing Flood and Landslide Points, Pilar Accelerates River Normalisation

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Vice Mayor of South Tangerang, Pilar Saga Ichsan, personally inspected several flood and landslide points in his region, which occurred due to significant rainfall intensity in recent days. The inspection was carried out in Citra Prima Serpong 2 Housing (Setu Subdistrict), Empang Sari (Ciputat Subdistrict), and Jalan H. Nurleman Benda Baru (Pamulang Subdistrict) on Wednesday (15/4/2026). During his visit, Pilar stressed that the city government would accelerate flood management through river normalisation, the addition of water control infrastructure, and the regulation of non-compliant developments. “We will strive to ensure that all flood and landslide control measures in these areas can be carried out optimally as soon as possible, so that community activities can return to normal,” he stated. For Citra Prima Serpong 2 Housing, Pilar explained that various efforts have already been undertaken, such as raising retaining walls and installing two water pump units. However, extreme rainfall over the past few days caused a drastic surge in river discharge, resulting in the housing’s water flow not being contained. “After this inspection, I have requested immediate river normalisation, as there is debris and rubbish carried from upstream. We also want to check for any narrowing of the channels, and I have asked for the addition of long storage in the lowest point area,” Pilar said. He added that if narrowing occurs above government assets, widening will be carried out. However, if it is on residents’ land, land acquisition options will be considered. The government is also planning to build long storage at the lowest points to absorb water discharge during heavy rain, accompanied by additional pumps. According to Pilar, progress in flood management in the area has already shown results. Previously, puddles could last for a long time, but now floods can recede within one day. Nevertheless, he targets no more puddling in the future. “The main problems besides rain are channel narrowing and rubbish. Public awareness must be increased, as this has a significant impact,” he said. Meanwhile, in the Empang Sari area, Ciputat, Pilar found similar conditions. He requested canal normalisation as well as the construction of long storage along the road to accommodate overflow water during heavy rain, as the location is indeed in a low-lying category. In addition, several drainage crossing points will be repaired so that water can flow smoothly to the main river. Not only that, several infrastructures such as access bridges to eateries and PLN cable bridges will also be reorganised. Pilar assessed that several bridges are too low and obstruct water flow, so they need to be raised or dismantled. “So along that road, I have requested the installation of long storage so that water can be handled during heavy rain. Pumps also need to be added at several points,” he emphasised. Pilar also ensured the addition of water pumps at several flood-prone points in Empang Sari. He targets the handling of the area to be completed within the next two years. In addition to floods, Pilar inspected the landslide location in the Jalan H. Nurleman Benda Baru area. He explained that the landslide occurred due to high rainfall intensity, causing water to seep into the soil and trigger soil movement. Several measures carried out in the Empang Sari and Citra Prima Serpong 2 areas will also be applied to Jalan H. Nurleman Benda Baru, adjusted to the disaster assessment results and local characteristics. “Here, we are working on building stone retaining walls, and we are also installing several water channels so that water does not stagnate and cause landslides like this,” he explained. In that area, it is known that there is water accumulation causing the soil to subside. This is the current focus of handling by the South Tangerang City Government. “Well, insha’Allah, this 10 metres we are building with stone walls, we target it to be completed in two weeks, hopefully,” he said.