JAKARTA - In the midst of the expanse of rob water that submerged part of the Balok Village, Kendal District, Kendal Regency, Central Java, there is still one house that has not been abandoned by its residents. In this simple house, Siti Rokhanah survives with her son, even though every day she is surrounded by the sea water that keeps rising.
To reach the house, the Kendal Police Chief AKBP Hendry Susanto Sianipar and his entourage had to walk through the rob for about two kilometers. Their steps followed a road that had turned into a deep water during the Kendal Police Chief's Social Service Activity in the 80th Anniversary of Bhayangkara, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Siti's house is now almost like a small island in the middle of an area abandoned by many residents. Most of the surrounding buildings have been damaged or empty because they are no longer able to resist the onslaught of rob that comes almost every day.
When he arrived at the house, Hendry handed over assistance in the form of 50 kilograms of rice and five boxes of instant noodles. But more than just basic necessities, the arrival marked that there are still those who pay attention to Siti's struggle to get through her days in the midst of limitations.
"We are in the Bhayangkara HUT to share and help people in need, one of them is Mrs. Siti Rokhanah who lives in a house that is submerged in the rob and trapped," said Hendry.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Police Chief spoke directly to Siti. He listened to stories about life that slowly changed since rob began to dominate the coastal area of Kendal.
The woman recalled the first time she occupied the house in 2006. At that time, the surrounding area was still a green land. The trees grew luxuriantly and the residents' activities were normal, like a village in general. However, the situation changed over time.
"I have lived here since 2006. It used to be not flooded, plants also grow abundantly around the house. However, in the last few years, the flood has continued to rise and has flooded the entire area around the house," said Siti.
One by one his neighbors chose to leave. Empty houses began to appear. The sea water that kept coming made the area increasingly difficult to inhabit. However, Siti still survived because she didn't have anywhere else to go.
This condition is what encourages various parties to find a way out. The Kendal Regency Government is said to be trying to relocate to a safer location. Meanwhile, Baznas is preparing support for the construction of a new house.
Hendry hopes that the solution will not drag on. According to him, Siti's safety and comfort must be a priority.
"If we wait for the relocation to be carried out, it will take time. We want to be able to move within two weeks. At least we will find a rented house first so that it is more suitable for daily activities," he said.
For Siti, the hope of leaving the house that is now surrounded by water may be the beginning of a new life. After years of watching his village slowly sink, the opportunity to live in a safer place has become something he has been looking forward to.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
