Downstream of Rivers in Bekasi Has Been Forgotten For Too Long

The floods in Bekasi regency indicated that there was a problem with the waterways. The improvement of the Citarum River should also include the downstream part of the river and the construction of a drainage system.

KOMPAS/STEFANUS ATO

A number of residents walk on flooded streets in Pantai Harapan Jaya Village, Muara Gembong, on Friday (3/3/2023) afternoon. Floods have submerged this place since February 24, 2023.

BEKASI, KOMPAS — The floods that inundated residential areas in Bekasi regency, West Java, for the last eight days have not receded. The intensity of the rains, bad drainage and sedimentation in the downstream and estuaries of a number of rivers have worsened the flooding in Bekasi.

The area of Pantai Harapan Jaya village, Muara Gembong district, Bekasi regency, has been hit by floods for the past eight days. Some residents fled to relatives' homes and some others still stayed at their houses. Part of the road connecting the village was flooded and impassable for vehicles. Residents had to struggle through floods using boats when doing activities outside the home.