West Jakarta SDA Sub-dept. Examined By Gegara Flood Police

One of the flood locations in the Greater Jakarta area (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - Heavy rains in early 2020 impacted flooding in several areas of Jakarta. The problem of flooding has also caught the attention of the police who received reports from residents regarding the case of no flood prevention measures in the West Jakarta area.

Head of West Jakarta Water Resources (SDA) Sub-dept., Purwanti Suryandari, is a figure who is caught up in this problem. Monday, January 6, investigators from the Subdit Resmob Polda Metro Jaya sent a letter of invitation to clarify him.

In an invitation letter registered with the number R / LI / 03 / I / 2020 / Ditreskrimum, January 2, 2020, Purwanti was asked to explain the alleged malfunction of the pump to suck water to cope with flooding around Jalan Daan Mogot, West Jakarta.

Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Yusri Yunus said Purwanti was summoned by the police to provide clarification regarding the malfunction of the water pump there.

"Indeed, the person concerned was summoned for clarification regarding the functionalization and / or malfunction of the water pump, all of which are related to water management," Yusri said in his statement, Tuesday, January 7.

In addition, Yusri said, Polda Metro Jaya investigators would also summon several other people who were thought to be involved in this problem. However, he did not specify the party in question.

The request for clarification is due to reports from the public about the floods that have not subsided. Because of this, the police conducted an investigation into him. In addition, the police have not yet decided on a criminal case in this case, because the investigation process is still in the clarification stage.

"The information report could be from a member of the National Police when conducting an inspection at the flood location, the person concerned (Head of the SDA Sub-dept.) Is only asked to clarify," said Yusri.

VOI reporters tried to contact Purwanti Suryandari by telephone to be asked about this case. He explained that his presence was to provide clarification to investigators about the malfunction of the water suction pump around Jalan Daan Mogot, West Jakarta.

According to him, when the water from the Mookevart River had not yet overflowed, the water pump in the pump house was still functioning properly. However, when the water discharge got higher and finally overflowed, the pump generator set was submerged. So, at that time it was decided not to use it with considerations of safety factors.

"Before the runoff, the operating pump was not damaged, there were reports from the operator every hour. But after the runoff from the time it entered the pump house and soaked the panels or generators, how can the pump be turned on, electricity is dangerous," said Purwanti.

However, when the water began to recede, several suction pumps were immediately operated. He admitted that not all pumps were working, because some of them could not operate because they were submerged in floods.

"After low tide some pump houses operated immediately, but some were damaged and we immediately repaired it," said Purwanti.

Previously, the rain on December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020, flooded Daan Mogot West Jakarta Street. In fact, because the water is high enough, the traffic flow is cut off.

Several sections of the flooded road started at the Jelambar Bus Stop. The height of the water discharge ranges from 30 to 80 centimeters. In addition, the worst happened around the Indosiar Studio to the Pesing Fly Over, the water level reached about 1 meter.