Facing the Peak of the Rainy Season, Semarang Deploys 220 Water Pumps

SEMARANG - The Semarang City Government has activated at least 220 water pumps, both fixed and portable pumps as one of the efforts to anticipate flooding.

The Mayor of Semarang, Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, said that the water pumps were placed at all vulnerable points.

Of the 220 water pumps, consisting of 119 fixed pumps and 101 portable pumps, including the addition of new pumps in Tawang Mas and Peterongan.

According to him, his party has learned from the experience of flooding at the end of 2024-2025 to face the peak of the early rainy season in 2026.

He said the anticipation steps taken were no longer just emergency responses, but with permanent infrastructure improvements.

"We have not only prepared tools, but have corrected the root of the problem," said Agustina, quoted by Antara, Monday, January 5.

In the Kaligawe area, he said, the outlet was widened four times from 10 meters to 40 meters, which is expected to optimally drain water and prevent the recurrence of severe flooding as previously occurred.

Then, the polder system was also updated, by dredging and deepening dozens of "umpung-umpung" (mini reservoirs) in the Mijen area, such as in Jatingaleh.

To complement the fixed infrastructure, the Public Works Agency (DPU) has also strengthened its fleet with new pumps placed in vulnerable points, such as Tawang Mas and Peterongan.

In addition, intensive cleaning and normalization of main channels continues in areas, such as Simpang Lima, Jalan Gajahmada, Pandanaran, and along the East Flood Canal to maintain the smooth flow of water.

Agustina emphasized that the success of flood management in the city of Semarang was the fruit of solid collaboration, beyond the limits of administrative authority.

Routine coordination is also continued with BBWS (Large River Basin Office), BPJN, Kodim, and other related agencies to ensure an integrated and rapid response.

Apart from technical efforts and institutional collaboration, he invited all residents of the city of Semarang to become active partners in flood prevention efforts.

"The technical readiness of the government must be balanced with the collective awareness of citizens not to throw garbage into the water channels and maintain environmental cleanliness," he said.