Ridwan Kamil's Idea About River Way Is Considered Only Omons

Ridwan Kamil/DOK PHOTO: Nailin In Saroh-VOI

JAKARTA - Ridwan Kamil's plan for a candidate for governor of Jakarta number 1 to build a water transportation mode or river way has been criticized by a transportation expert from the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), Djoko Setijowarno.

Djoko assessed that the condition of rivers and rivers in Jakarta is not suitable for transportation.

This is because many rivers experience narrowing fields and ups and downs when changing seasons. Thus, Djoko's idea of a river way is considered nonsense.

"The problem in urban areas is that the water discharge is ups and downs, unable to control it and the smell is also a problem. Yes, in the end, it's omni-omon, imaginary," Djoko told reporters, Thursday, October 10.

Djoko said that the water transportation system was actually run by the DKI Provincial Government in the era of Sutiyoso's leadership under the name waterway. However, this mode did not continue and the facilities were abandoned.

This condition is different from river transportation in Kalimantan or Sumatra whose river water discharge is maintained.

"Meanwhile, in Jakarta, the water discharge is not maintained. Not to mention the silting," said Djoko.

"Then, the demand, whether or not anyone wants to pass through there? Not to mention having to provide a bus stop and having to be integrated with other public transportation capital," he added.

Previously, the candidate for Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta number 1, Ridwan Kamil-Suswono (RIDO) ensured that the procurement of water transportation modes was likely to be presented in Jakarta.

"We will probably try to innovate to make a riverway or boat crossing 13 rivers in Jakarta," said Ridwan Kamil in the inaugural debate for the Jakarta gubernatorial election, Sunday, October 6.

Spokesperson for Ridwan Kamil-Suswono (RIDO), Bernardus Djonoputro, said that several rivers in Jakarta are very likely to become a means of river way.

"For example, the East Flood Canal (BKT), an artificial channel with a width of between 100-300 meters, depends on the location. While the banks are 18 meters each on the left and right. The characteristics are also straight, long and deep. This is a potential for transportation and water tourism," said Bernandus in his statement.

Apart from BKT, West Flood Canal (BKB) is also very possible with the Tanah Abang, Halimun, to Manggarai routes. Another river that has the potential to be made in water transportation modes is the central Ciliwung, starting from south to Cijantung and Condet.

"The presence of this water transportation will make the river more conserved and better. Currently, actually the river has also been used by residents, it's just that at this time it is not managed properly," he said.