Anies Turns Out To Abolish River Normalization In The DKI Jakarta Medium Term Program

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (DKI Pemprov's Public Relations)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has proposed an amendment to the regional medium-term development plan (RPJMD). One of these changes is to remove the river normalization program in Jakarta.

RPJMD is a development planning document that contains the vision, mission, and programs of the regional head promised since the term of office for a period of 5 years.

The elimination of river normalization was acknowledged by the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria. According to Riza, the RPJMD, which has about one year left before its term expires, is currently in discussion with the Assembly at Provincial DKI Jakarta Regional.

"Yes (normalization is removed). Everything has been arranged together in relation to the RPJMD now in the discussion process", said Riza at the City Hall of DKI, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, February 9.

Riza said that the elimination of one of the flood control programs was carried out because the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is focusing on controlling the COVID-19 case in Jakarta.

"We are now trying to continue to increase our efforts in the context of preventing and controlling COVID-19", said Riza.

Moreover, according to Riza, DKI Jakarta has five flood control programs. Among them are Gerebek Lumpur, vertical drainage (infiltration wells), pump maintenance, sea water flood (rob) mitigation through National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD), and polder system management.

He also claimed that floods that submerged parts of Jakarta could quickly recede. "Alhamdulillah, even though there are still spots of inundation, it has receded very quickly", said Riza.

"Even though there are still several flooded spots, such as in East Pejaten, it is located on the banks of the other Ciliwung river. Alhamdulillah, we see it is quite good", he continued.