Target Completion 2029, AHY Hopes Remaining 16 Km Ciliwung Normalisation Expedited
Subsequently, it was explained that currently, construction and revitalisation, including the normalisation of the river for approximately 33 kilometres, are underway, with 17 kilometres (52%) already completed, and the remaining 16 kilometres pending,” said AHY after inspecting the Inlet Sodetan Kali Ciliwung in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, on Thursday (7/5/2026).
He explained that the normalisation of the Ciliwung River is essential. He assessed the construction of the Ciliwung River embankments as a government effort to prevent flooding in Jakarta.
“This includes our journey earlier using a rubber boat from Rawajati to Bidara Cina, approximately 5 kilometres, where 2.3 kilometres are the points most prone to flooding at any time. This must be normalised immediately, with embankment construction approximately 4 to 5 metres high, and the length at the most vulnerable points can be calculated, as can the budget,” he clarified.
AHY mentioned that short-term efforts to dredge the shallow river sections will be carried out. Dredging of the river flow, particularly the Ciliwung and Cisadane Rivers, must be done to a depth of more than 50 centimetres.
“Because, as explained earlier, normalisation must be carried out every year. The shallowing rises again by 20 centimetres, shallowing by 50 centimetres. So, dredging must be done continuously. This greatly affects the condition of our rivers,” he added.
AHY further noted that this effort also faces several obstacles, such as land acquisition. For this reason, he wishes to collaborate with the Provincial Government to assist with land acquisition.
“Indeed, the challenges always include land. Earlier, the Deputy Minister of Public Works also mentioned that the land is often still obstructed, not yet clean and clear in its procurement. That is why collaboration between the central government and the provincial government is very important, and the community must also be involved in this major effort,” he explained.
AHY stated that the target for completing the embankment construction is 2029. Initially, the target was planned for completion in 2027.
“Yes, the explanation from the Head of BBWS (River Basin Organisation) was that initially (the target) was 2027, but due to various dynamic factors and others, it has been delayed to 2028-2029,” he added.
“Because it’s pointless to build embankments and then continue with illegal constructions that should not be allowed. If something hard is built on the riverbanks, it will certainly make our river narrower over time,” he continued.
AHY also hopes that the remaining 16 km of Ciliwung normalisation can be completed soon. He hopes there will be no obstacles moving forward.
“But we focus on those that are truly vulnerable and indeed require immediate infrastructure strengthening. Therefore, the remaining 16 km, I hope it can be done progressively. Hopefully, there are no significant obstacles. Indeed, many are related to land issues,” he said.
On the same occasion, Deputy Minister of Public Works, Diana Kusumastuti, stated that the issue in completing the Ciliwung normalisation is the unresolved land acquisition. She said the DKI Provincial Government has moved to carry out land acquisition.
“Insha’Allah, there are no obstacles and that 16 km of embankments can be completed. And this is not only with DKI, but also towards West Java,” she said.
“Hopefully, I give a thumbs up to DKI Jakarta because they are very cooperative; for the West Java part, we will continue to coordinate with the West Java Provincial Government,” she added.