West Java Governor Criticises Bekasi's Chaotic Spatial Planning, Budget Transparency Amid Flooding
West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has raised pointed concerns over river normalisation projects, spatial planning, and the transparency of Bekasi Regency’s Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD), in response to persistent flooding in the area.
During a Ramadan safari event at Den Sakti Field, Sumberjaya Village, South Tambun District, Bekasi Regency, on Sunday evening, 22 February 2026, the governor — popularly known by his initials KDM — delivered sharp criticism of the flooding crisis and local budget management.
“Road projects are easy to verify. But dredging rivers — are you really going to go down and check? How much does it cost to dredge a river? Three kilometres long, five metres deep. How do you measure it? You’d have to jump in yourself,” Mulyadi said.
He argued that land-use conversion is the primary cause of recurring flooding in Bekasi Regency. According to him, rice paddies, swamps, and reservoirs that should serve as water catchment areas have been transformed into residential developments. “Swamps are filled in, reservoirs are filled in, houses are built. The spatial plan permits it, the government authorises it. Then when it floods — ‘Pak Dedi!’” he remarked.
He added that river normalisation efforts are frequently obstructed because riverbanks have already been encroached upon. This situation, he said, exacerbates flood risks. “Flooding happens, but they refuse to let the rivers be normalised. They don’t want floods, yet forests are cut down. Forests turn into settlements. Of course flooding is inevitable,” he stressed.
During the event, Mulyadi called upon Acting Bekasi Regent Asep Surya Atmaja to present the regency’s 2026 APBD structure. Asep stated that the total budget amounts to Rp7.7 trillion, with Rp1.2 trillion allocated to road construction.
Mulyadi responded to the figures with visible scepticism. “I don’t think that’s right,” he said. However, he noted that if the budget is genuinely available at that level, it should be fully maximised for development within the fiscal year.
According to data from the Regional Financial Information System (SIKD) as of 21 February 2026, Bekasi Regency’s regional revenue stands at Rp7.280 trillion, sourced from locally generated revenue, regional taxes and levies, central government transfers, and other income. Revenue realisation to date has reached only Rp352.68 billion, or 4.84 per cent.
Meanwhile, total regional expenditure is set at Rp7.703 trillion, with personnel spending dominating at Rp3.563 trillion. Expenditure realisation stands at just Rp108.43 billion, or 1.41 per cent of the total budget.