West Java Regional Parliament Leadership Highlights Embung Issues Allegedly Causing Flooding and Harvest Failures in Indramayu
INDRAMAYU — Ono Surono, Vice Chair of West Java Provincial Parliament (DPRD), gathered residents’ input during parliamentary recess sessions in Telukagung Village, Indramayu District, Kabupaten Indramayu. Residents expressed concerns that the embung (small dam), which they believe is not functioning optimally, has allegedly triggered flooding during the rainy season, causing damage to agricultural land and resulting in crop failures.
Surono stated that the embung issue requires serious attention from regional government authorities through inter-agency coordination. According to him, the embung should not merely function as a retention pond, but should also be utilised as an irrigation water reserve, local flood control mechanism, and groundwater conservation support.
“The embung’s function must be restored for the welfare of the community, rather than creating new problems during the rainy season,” Surono said following the Second Recess of the 2025/2026 Parliamentary Term on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
He explained that an embung is a small dam constructed to capture excess rainwater, particularly in rainwater-dependent areas. Its presence is important for maintaining water availability during dry seasons and supporting food security.
As an initial step, maintenance efforts will focus on clearing water hyacinth that is exacerbating water overflow. Surono also delivered symbolic assistance to the village government for managing this aquatic weed. Additionally, his office will coordinate with the River Basin Authority (Balai Besar Wilayah Sungai) to ensure the embung functions optimally without triggering flooding.
During the session, residents also proposed community-based economic programmes, such as layer chicken farming. Surono pledged to champion these proposals for realisation so that they can enhance the welfare of village communities.
“Community-based economic programmes like this are important so that residents have sustainable sources of income,” he said.