Tidal Flooding on Central Java's North Coast Worsens: Semarang-Demak Route Paralysed

Tidal flooding, or rob, affecting several areas along the North Coast (Pantura) of Central Java has increased and expanded on Tuesday (16/6). The conditions have caused major transport arteries to become congested and thousands of coastal residents to be trapped by the rising waters. Based on monitoring on Tuesday morning, the worst-hit point was observed on the Semarang-Demak Pantura route, precisely in Sayung District, Demak Regency. Vehicles from both west and east could only crawl slowly due to floodwaters covering the road surface, triggering long traffic jams. In Pati Regency, the tidal flood has resulted in enormous material losses. Hundreds of hectares of fish and shrimp ponds were reported damaged by the high tide. Losses for fish farmers are estimated to reach tens of billions of rupiah due to crop failure and the loss of cultivated seeds. Acting Regent of Pati, Risma Ardhi Chandra, stated that his office has coordinated with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and submitted a request for assistance to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR). ‘The cost to repair breached embankments and raise embankment heights is very large. Due to limited regional budgets, we request that the ministry immediately intervene,’ Risma stressed. BMKG forecaster from the Tanjung Emas Maritime Station in Semarang, Sediyanto, explained that weather dynamics have altered the pattern of tidal flooding. If previously the flooding occurred from noon to evening, it has now shifted to morning until noon. The peak of the high tide was reported between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. local time, with water levels reaching up to one metre. This phenomenon has had a widespread impact from Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Demak, Pati, to Rembang. ‘Residents along the north coast are urged to remain alert and on standby, as the tidal flooding is expected to continue for the next few days. Transport activities, port loading and unloading, and inland fisheries will continue to be affected,’ Sediyanto said. As of the time of reporting, residents in Balok Village, Kendal, were reported to still be isolated. Siti Rokhanah, a 60-year-old local resident, complained that this condition recurs every year without a permanent solution. ‘The tidal flood, one metre high, has been submerging this village for years,’ she concluded.