President Monitors Jakarta Flooding, Weather Modification Operation Extended to End of January

JAKARTA - The government has added weather modification operations in the Jabodetabek area following heavy rainfall that triggered flooding on a number of roads in the capital. The President continues to monitor the flood situation even though he is abroad.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that the increase in weather modification operations was carried out after coordination with the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, BNPB, and BMKG.

"The rainfall is very high and this enters the peak of the rainy season until the end of January based on BMKG data," Prasetyo told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex, Thursday, January 22.

He apologized to the community affected by the puddles. Prasetyo emphasized that the President gave direct instructions for the handling to be carried out quickly, including the formation of a national study team for water management from upstream to downstream on the island of Java.

According to Prasetyo, the problem of flooding is not solely a weather factor. Changes in spatial planning and the shrinking of lakes and lakes also exacerbate the condition. From around 1,000 lakes that once existed in Jabodetabek, now there are only around 200.

The government involved cross-ministries as well as PT KAI after the flooding disrupted the railway line in 17 points. The study is also connected to the management plan for the North Coast of Java and the Giant Sea Wall project.