IDNAround – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the long-delayed tunnel project connecting the Ciliwung River and the East Flood Canal (BKT) Jakarta on Monday, July 31, 2023.
“The Ciliwung tunnel project has been stalled for years, almost 11 years. And today, thank God, it’s finished. This can tackle flooding in at least six sub-districts,” he said on Monday.
The river tunnel is believed to be capable of solving the capital’s flooding which originates from the Ciliwung River, or around 62 percent. “This means there is left 38 percent as homework. This must be done together by the PUPR (Public Works and Housing) Ministry and Jakarta Provincial Government,” he added.
Jokowi explained that there are 12 rivers contributing to the flooding in the capital besides the Ciliwung River. Among them are the Sunter River, Cipinang River, Baru Barat River, Baru Timur River, Mookervaart River, and Pesanggrahan River.
“Not to mention that we have to deal with tidal flooding that emerges in the mainland of Jakarta. Once again, handling Jakarta’s floods must be carried out comprehensively from upstream to downstream,” the state head remarked.
The government had also completed the upstream projects of the Ciliwung River, namely the Ciawi and Sukamahi Dams in Bogor Regency.
“Once again [mitigating Jakarta floods] must be conducted jointly by the PUPR Ministry and the Jakarta provincial government. This is a very complex issue and not easy,” the state head said.
Initiated by Jokowi when serving as Jakarta governor, the tunnel project of the Ciliwung River kick-started in 2013. It was halted in 2015 due to the land acquisition issue and resumed in 2021. The project cost Rp1.2 trillion.
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