Often Becomes A Problem, Mahfud MD Seeks Solutions To Anticipate Floods In Jabodetabek

Deputy Chief Justice Mahfud MD (Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD plans to hold a meeting following the flood disaster that occurred in DKI Jakarta and its surroundings after heavy rains occurred on Tuesday, December 31 to Wednesday January 1 yesterday.

Mahfud assessed that the flood situation in Jakarta and its surroundings is often an annual problem with a big impact. Responding to this situation, he will hold a meeting to discuss future flood anticipation.

"Usually we already know, frequent flooding and always a problem I think. But now it's bigger," Mahfud told reporters at the Kemenkopolhukam Office, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, Thursday, January 2.

Previously reported, due to the flood disaster, the flood refugees in Jabodetabek are still quite high. To date, 62 thousand residents have been displaced at 302 refugee points. However, from this number, it turns out that there are still many residents who have not received evacuation assistance from their homes to the evacuation places.

"We have to anticipate. Tomorrow there will be a meeting," Mahfud added.

Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo admitted that since last night the evacuation process was difficult because the quantity of rubber boats was small. Also, some areas have obstacles that are quite difficult to pass because of the swift currents.

"Maybe the (evacuation) process is a bit slow, because the amount of aid that is being distributed in the field is still limited. Hopefully, the people of our brothers who are affected by this disaster can be helped as quickly as possible in very good ways," said Doni at Graha. BNPB, Jalan Pramuka, East Jakarta, Thursday, January 2.

Doni explained, BNPB appointed the Mayor of each area in Jabodetabek to be the field command for flood handling. The assignment of this task was carried out in order to maximize the evacuation process and minimize the increase in flood victims. This was decided based on the results of the coordination meeting of BNPB, TNI, Polri, and regional officials throughout Jabodetabek today.

"So we arrange each region in such a way, including later from the ministry. So the moment of this meeting is for synergy. No longer can each ministry agency work itself," said Doni.

Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan (Mery Handayani / VOI)

Meanwhile, the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan, who had visited the flood victims in the Pesakih Rusun area and the refugee camps around the Hasyum Asy'ari Mosque, Kalideres, West Jakarta. Still reluctant to comment on anticipation of flooding, he is still focusing on evacuating the affected residents since Wednesday, January 1 yesterday.

"We are currently concentrating on evacuating the residents' rescue. And this is what we make sure it goes well," said Anies when asked about flood anticipation, Thursday, January 2.

Anies said that currently the safety of residents is a priority for the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. He also continues to monitor the locations of floods and the conditions of the floodgates, hoping that the floods will recede soon.

"In this phase, we make sure that residents' safety is guaranteed. Then if the water is taking a walk, there is a river, it can be pumped. Part of the process takes time," he said.

Openly, Anies also invited the people of Jakarta to step in and help each other. This does not mean that the DKI Pemprov is giving up its hands, but Anies does not deny that there are still places that are not yet reached.

"The government will certainly do it, but we are also grateful if the residents are willing to help ease what assistance is needed, especially food and drinks. It is realized that many places were still closed yesterday," said the former Minister of Education and Culture of the Working Cabinet.