The Coordinating Ministry For Human Development And Culture Emphasizes The Optimization Of Drainage To Prevent Floods

A number of residents crossed the flood in Pela Mampang, Jakarta, Sunday (7/11/2021). (Between/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) emphasizes the importance of preventing flood disasters by optimizing the drainage system.

"Optimizing the drainage and water management system as well as the water infiltration and storage system can prevent floods and landslides," said Deputy for Coordination of Regional Development and Disaster Management at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Sudirman when contacted in Jakarta, Sunday.

Related to this, he said, all relevant parties need to increase preparedness through optimization and preparation of capacity in the drainage system.

"In addition, the preparation of the capacity and reliability of the operational capacity of lakes, reservoirs, reservoirs, retention ponds, and artificial water storage need to be ensured to operate properly," he said, quoted by Antara.

This, according to him, can contribute positively to efforts to store and utilize clean water as well as control potential flooding.

The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture also reminded the public to be aware of the La Nina phenomenon which is predicted to continue until the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the peak of the rainy season in parts of Indonesia will occur in December 2022 to January 2023.

"The potential for frequent disasters includes floods, flash floods, landslides, and tornadoes. For this reason, mitigation steps are needed to increase preparedness based on disaster risk," he said.

University of General Sudirman (Unsoed) Hydrology and Water Resources expert, Ph.D. said that people need to clean waterways from garbage that can inhibit drainage.

"Thus, it is hoped that during the rain there will be no puddles due to blockages in the waterways," he said.

Yanto said people can play an active role in cleaning their respective environments to reduce channel blockage.

"The public can also organize goods at home to be safe in the event of floods and landslides, as well as increase vigilance, especially when it rains," he said.