Pramono Ogah Builds Anies's Reliance Recharge Well to Overcome Jakarta Flooding 

DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung/DOK Humas DKI Provincial Government

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that he had not planned to build a new infiltration well to control flooding in Jakarta. He emphasized that the DKI Provincial Government is currently maximizing the steps that are already underway, such as weather modification operations (OMC) and river normalization.

The infiltration well was known to have been one of the flagship programs in the era of the previous Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan. However, Pramono said that the approach was not a priority in the flood management policy being implemented.

"Yes, the infiltration well was ever made. What we have is that we use, we function. But until today we have not planned to open a new infiltration well," said Pramono at the Cengkareng Drain Water Gate, West Jakarta, Friday, January 23.

Pramono emphasized that he did not want to re-discuss the effectiveness of infiltration wells in flood control. According to him, the focus of the local government at this time is to utilize all the existing infrastructure.

"I frankly do not want to argue about the issue of infiltration wells. Because whatever can be used, we use it," he said.

Regarding the floods that are still occurring during the rainy season, Pramono is also reluctant to speculate about other causes such as environmental damage or land use changes. He assessed that the discussion must be based on accurate data.

He alluded to extreme weather conditions that not only occurred in Indonesia, but also in a number of other countries. However, Pramono emphasized that his main focus remained on flood management in Jakarta.

Currently, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is still relying on weather modification operations as one of the mitigation steps. Pramono said that OMC had entered its third day and would continue to be carried out for the next few days.

"we are conducting the third weather modification operation today. Because now I allow three times every day, we will also do it until January 27," said Pramono.

He hopes that these efforts can reduce the intensity of rain in Jakarta. Pramono also appealed to residents, especially those living on the banks of rivers, to increase vigilance during high rainfall.

"Therefore, for residents wherever they are, especially on the banks of rivers, to be more careful. For the time being, do not then carry out activities in the river. Because right now the rainfall is still high," he concluded.