This 2 Weeks, Ganjar Pranowo Speeds Up Embankment Strengthening To Prevent High Waves

Ganjar Pranowo and the National Police Chief (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo held a meeting with the Director General of Water Resources of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, as well as a number of regional heads whose areas were affected by the tidal flood. In addition to the evaluation, Ganjar said this meeting also discussed the potential for rob that was predicted to occur again.

“In the last two weeks we will try to finish the civil works. We will fix the (Dirjen SDA) presentation in the port area, including Pelindo," said Ganjar at the Central Java Provincial Government Office, Friday, June 3.

Ganjar said that two weeks was the determined time, considering that the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency had released the potential for high waves to occur in the near future. Not only that, BMKG also predicts a cyclone from Australia that could increase the water level.

"From the BMKG in the middle of this month there is the potential for high waves to occur as well," he said.

For this reason, Ganjar deliberately invited regional heads or representatives in the Pantura region affected by the tidal wave. Namely Semarang City, Pekalongan City, Batang and Demak Regencies. The regions were also asked to provide the necessary assistance.

"Everything is in here. We tried to take stock of the existing problems one by one, and we shared them so we could solve them," he said.

On that occasion, Director General of Natural Resources, Jarot Widyoko, reported that in the evaluation of the temporary handling of the tidal wave last week, it was found that only four pumps belonging to PT Pelindo were active.

“Some others had to be dismantled yesterday. So how do we find alternatives to replace them, so that they can be resolved quickly," he said.

While walking, Ganjar asked all parties to comb through areas that could potentially break if there was a tidal wave. The inventory must be carried out immediately so that these points can be immediately strengthened.

Ganjar appreciated the Ministry of PUPR's Directorate General of Natural Resources for moving quickly and maximizing existing technology. The former member of the DPR hopes that in the future the handling will be faster and more professional.

The broken embankment, which was temporarily patched with bamboo and sandbags, has been accelerated in the past two weeks. Handling is replaced with a geobox material which is said to be stronger.

“Well, these are the jobs that in the next few days will be our attention. While all are disciplined in their respective fields so that in two weeks the work can be completed," he said.

Overall, Ganjar said the tidal disaster that occurred last week was caused by weather factors. The sea level which rose up to 1.5-2 meters also caused the embankment to burst. Reflecting on yesterday's experience, Ganjar asked all parties to work quickly and report to him immediately.

"I ask that tomorrow there will be a report on which pumps have died. Report it to us so that we can immediately revive it or maybe look for a substitute or substitute so that later if something like that happens we can suck water into the sea much faster,” he said.