West Java Governor KDM Urges Completion of CBL River Normalisation This Year
Bekasi Regency (ANTARA) — West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) has called for normalisation work on the Cikarang Bekasi Laut (CBL) River, which runs through three districts in Bekasi Regency and spans 16 kilometres, to be completed this year.
The river, which passes through Cibitung, North Tambun and Sukawangi districts, is being cleared to help reduce the risk of flooding in Bekasi Regency. Only one kilometre of the work remains.
“It must be finished this year. How much will the remainder cost? Rp2 billion should be enough for Bekasi Regency to complete it,” KDM said while inspecting the work site in Bekasi Regency on Monday.
KDM also drew attention to three bridges in Sriamur village, North Tambun district, which he said could obstruct the flow of water towards the CBL River.
The West Java provincial government said it was ready to help rebuild the bridges after they had been demolished, allowing the river to carry more water.
The province also said it was prepared to help normalise the Kali Mati in Sukamekar village, Sukawangi district, where heavy sedimentation has led part of the watercourse to be converted into residents’ gardens.
The river requires urgent attention so that it can once again function as a water channel and support irrigation for local farms.
“This is an emergency, and we cannot predict the rain ahead. We will use the unexpected expenditure budget (BTT). If it is not completed this year, we will continue next year,” he said.
Bekasi Regent Asep Surya Atmaja welcomed the provincial government’s support for speeding up flood mitigation in Bekasi Regency. He said the remaining funding needed to complete normalisation of the CBL River in line with the target would be secured promptly.
“We will complete the normalisation of the CBL River this year, and we will also resolve the budget shortfall this year, so that normalisation from Cikarang to the confluence with the Bekasi River can be completed quickly,” he said.
Asep expressed similar support for the province’s assistance with plans to normalise the Kali Mati in stages, from Sukamekar village in Sukawangi district to Cabangbungin district.
He said restoring the river’s function was important for residents, particularly in northern Bekasi Regency, and would help meet the irrigation needs of agricultural land.
“Hopefully this will be carried out properly. For homes affected, the Governor and I will find a solution. The important thing is that the Kali Mati can function again,” he said.
He expressed hope that accelerating normalisation of the CBL and Kali Mati rivers would enable the provincial and regency governments to increase river capacity, reduce obstructions caused by sedimentation and strengthen efforts to tackle recurring floods in Bekasi Regency.
“God willing, when flooding comes, the water volume will be lower, making floods more manageable and minimising their impact,” he said.