JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) through the Padang Sumatra V River Basin Office, West Sumatra, has completed dredging the Muara Batang Kuranji in Padang City, West Sumatra, as part of flood control efforts and the restoration of river functions after disasters.
The dredging activity is worked on on a self-management basis using operating and maintenance funds in 2026 amounting to Rp. 2.7 billion.
"If the opening is wide open and the water flows fast, the sediment will be thrown into the sea so that the flow capacity is maintained," said Minister PU Dody Hanggodo as quoted from a written statement, Saturday, July 4.
Dody said that the work was aimed at facilitating the flow of river water to the sea and reducing the risk of overflow when water discharge increased due to heavy rain.
In addition, he added, dredging is carried out to maintain the sluice gate so that the community's irrigation remains functional and prevent backwater or backflow of water during high tide.
The total length of the dredging is approximately 550 meters and has now been completed 100 percent.
Dody emphasized that the handling of rivers after disasters should start from the estuary to ensure that the flow of water runs smoothly from upstream to downstream and minimize the risk of flooding.
"Road repairs will certainly be in vain if the drainage is clogged and the estuary is dredged which triggers flash floods or puddles when it rains," he said.
Until June 2026, it was recorded that out of 38 estuaries affected by the post-Sumatra disaster, seven estuaries had been completed and four estuaries were still being handled with a target for completion in October 2027.
The government has also formulated a strategy to accelerate the handling of the affected estuaries, one of which is the Task Force (Satgas Kuala) to accelerate post-disaster recovery and mitigation in affected areas, especially Sumatra.
Through dredging the estuary, the river flow capacity has now increased so that the water can flow more smoothly to the sea.
This effort is part of the Ministry of PU's commitment to strengthening flood control, maintaining the function of water resources infrastructure, and providing better protection for the community from the threat of floods, especially in Padang City.
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