Ordinary Criticism, Now PSI Appreciates Anies' Subordinates For Quick Flood Response

ILLUSTRATION / DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan while visiting Manggarai Water Gate (DOK. Humas Pemprov DKI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) faction of the DKI Jakarta Regional Representative Council (DPRD) appreciates the work of Jakarta Provincial Government officials who are swift in handling floods in Jakarta. In fact, usually PSI often criticizes the performance of DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

Parts of Jakarta were hit by floods on Saturday, February 20. Deputy Chairman of the PSI DPRD DKI Fraction Justin Untayana admitted that he saw Water Resources Service officers working to reduce the impact of flooding such as draining water using a pump.

"Until the early hours of the morning, I still found SDA officers still working at flood points in East Jakarta and West Jakarta. I really appreciate the field officers who work swiftly, quickly, and with full dedication," Justin said in his statement, Tuesday, 23 February.

Justin admitted that the DKI Pemprov field team was quite good at reacting to reducing standing water in settlements and roads, and evacuating victims. However, Justin thought that action should be minimized by means of prevention.

"Floods should not have occurred if the governor was serious in planning and implementing flood prevention, not just being reactive in carrying out social assistance," he said.

Justin observed that flooding was caused by river overflows that had not been normalized, clogged waterways, and broken embankments.

Then, groundwater absorption is also very minimal. This, said Justin, is in contrast to the Jakarta Governor's campaign to put rainwater into the ground.

"It should be remembered that Mr. Anies has served for 3.5 years and has an APBD of around Rp. 60 trillion, so there is no reason to have trouble running various flood prevention programs," said Justin.