Semarang City Government Carries Out Emergency Repairs Following Breach of Plumbon River Embankment

National News – Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng has voiced serious concern over the breach of the Plumbon River embankment in the Mangkang Kulon area, which occurred on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. She said the Semarang City Government will ensure ongoing coordination with relevant agencies to address flood waters entering residential areas.

Ms Agustina explained that the physical works to the river are the responsibility of the Balai Besar Wilayah Sungai (BBWS). Nevertheless, the City Government remains responsible for cleaning up and conducting emergency repairs for affected residents.

‘Indeed, it belongs to BBWS. But the breach has affected residents of Semarang City living nearby. At 2am this morning it was mostly mud; that has now been cleared. So we are sharing the task here, to repair and others on that side,’ said Agustina.

She also highlighted a delay in the normalisation project that should be undertaken by the central Government through the relevant ministry. She hopes funding for repairs can be released soon so permanent works on Kali Plumbon can be realised.

‘Hopefully with the presence of the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry (PUPR) and BBWS on site, if funding is provided, please release it promptly. Because the obligation of Semarang City is only to alleviate. For the normalisation of the river owned by BBWS, that was delayed after Covid. If funds are released this year, it could be repaired,’ she added.

In addition to the Mangkang issue, authorities are paying attention to Rowosari, a district geographically exposed to similar risks. It requires technical measures to reinforce the embankment in areas with lower soil contours.

‘Yes, there will certainly be targeted handling, because it’s like a bowl—the position is lower, the field is beside it. There must be efforts to build an embankment at least. From the building drawings we saw, it seems the process is being inclined. Hopefully we will be more prepared,’ Agustina explained.

Looking ahead, the Semarang City Government is committed to improving the management of water channels at vulnerable points. This will involve widening drainage so water can flow along its course without overflowing into settlements. ‘In the future we will build a wider channel and regulate the channels so that the water can be returned. Because the waterway remains a waterway, and that will be our priority.’