Banten Governor Emphasizes Normalization of Cikalumpa River to Overcome Flooding

Two pimpiinan in Banten Province (Andra Soni and Dimyati) (Photo: Antara)

SERANG - Banten Governor Andra Soni emphasized the need for acceleration of the normalization of the Cikalumpa River as a key step in overcoming repeated floods in Serang Regency, Banten.

According to the Governor, the narrowing and deepening of the river bed increases the risk of flooding when heavy rainfall hits.

"This is the impact of the dredging in the Cikalumpa River. This incident keeps happening, even this year it has happened for the fourth time," said Andra Soni in his statement in Serang City, Saturday.

Andra Soni had reviewed the flood-affected location in Sukamaju Village, Citasuk Village, Padarincang District, Friday (19/12).

He added that the intensity of the rain over the past few days had exacerbated the runoff, causing settlements to be submerged and residents to have to evacuate. The Banten Provincial Government has also placed normalization as an urgent agenda to break the annual flood cycle.

During the review, Andra was accompanied by Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki, and the Regent of Serang Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah. In addition to checking the condition of the river flow, the entourage reviewed the evacuation post at SDN Sukamaju and handed over logistical assistance.

The governor emphasized that handling would be carried out through two channels, namely emergency and long-term. The initial phase focuses on the safety of residents and the fulfillment of the basic needs of refugees. "The first thing that all parties must help is to deal with the refugees first," he said.

Structural efforts are carried out through river dredging to restore water flow capacity. Andra said this step requires cross-agency coordination because it relates to central and regional authorities.

"One of the solutions is dredging the river. This requires good coordination, because it involves cross-authority. However, cross-authority is not a problem, the most important thing is that the coordination can be implemented," he said.

The Banten Provincial Government will coordinate technical steps with the River Basin Agency, Lake Rawa managers, and the affected district/city governments.

According to the Governor, a number of areas previously managed to reduce the risk of flooding after normalization.

This time the flood hit Padarincang, Cinangka and Ciruas sub-districts in Serang Regency, as well as Kasemen sub-district in Serang City.

"We hope that the weather will improve soon, so that the handling process runs more optimally. Hopefully the rain will soon subside, and our joint efforts can ease the burden on the community," he said.