Citarum embankment collapses in a row, Bekasi Regency Government carries out emergency handling

CIKARANG - The Bekasi Regency Government, West Java, is carrying out emergency handling at a number of critical embankment points along the Citarum River following the breach of the embankment in Pantai Bakti Village, Muaragembong District, two days ago.

Acting Regent of Bekasi Asep Surya Atmaja said that emergency handling was carried out using sand bags and embankments to hold back the overflow of river water while waiting for the permanent strengthening of the embankment by the River Basin Agency (BBWS).

"The authority of the regency is temporary. We have communicated with BBWS for permanent reinforcement. Don't let this embankment continue to be broken because the impact is very wide for the community," said Asep in Cikarang, Antara, Wednesday, January 21.

Asep emphasized that the local government should immediately conduct a thorough survey of the condition of the embankment, especially in areas that have experienced river silting or do not have retaining walls, considering the still high flood potential in the area.

In addition to dredging rivers and building permanent embankments, the local government has also prepared a relocation scheme for residents living on the banks of rivers, provided that there is willingness from the community to be relocated for long-term safety.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bekasi Regency BPBD, Muchlis, reported that the embankment in Muaragembong Sub-district, which was about eight meters long, had been handled urgently to prevent the Citarum River from overflowing again into the residents' settlements.

The Bekasi Regency BPBD continues to coordinate with the Bekasi Regency BBWS and the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) to deliver emergency material assistance used in temporary repairs at a number of critical embankment points.

"Bags, bronjong, and reinforcing materials have been sent. We have also identified other critical points of the embankment in Cabangbungin District to be immediately checked by BBWS before the damage becomes more severe. Meanwhile, we are doing emergency handling," said Muchlis.

In addition to Pantai Bakti Village, Muaragembong District, BPBD also recorded another breach of a dyke in the Pebayuran District area.

"Temporary handling has been carried out at the sub-district level and will be proposed for technical handling by BBWS," said Muchlis.