JAKARTA - The accumulation of wood in the river carried away by the Sumatra flood was considered by the General Chair of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Jusuf Kalla (JK) to aggravate the damage. He said it was important to deal quickly with the impact of the flood, one of which was to use wood that still had a useful value.
In a confirmation in Jakarta, Saturday, JK said that the flooding that occurred was not only caused by high rainfall, but also due to environmental changes in the upstream area.
According to him, the large amount of wood carried by the current and piled up in the river is one of the main factors that increase the impact of flooding.
"This flood caused considerable damage. One of the causes is the large number of wood that enters the river due to environmental changes at the top. This must be resolved immediately, especially at this stage, this month and next month," said JK when reviewing the flood-affected location in Koto Village, Pauh District, Padang City, West Sumatra, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, December 20.
JK emphasized that the handling of wood carried away by the flood must be carried out systematically and not delayed. He encouraged that wood that still has a useful value can be utilized, while those that are not suitable should immediately be removed from the river flow.
"The solution is clear, these trees must be cut down and transported. What can be used, use it. What can't, throw it in a certain place," he said.
Furthermore, JK said that the wood from the cleaning process has the potential to be used for various community needs, such as building materials, furniture, chairs, or other needs, depending on the condition, and the quality of the wood.
"It can be for housing, it can be for media, chairs, various things. The important thing is to use it as much as possible. Not all of them are thrown away so that the community does not get more difficult," said JK.
On this occasion, JK also reminded the importance of cooperation between local governments, communities, and various related parties so that post-flood handling runs quickly, effectively, and sustainably, as well as being a momentum to improve environmental governance in the future.
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