TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said that he would ask for the help from President Joko Widodo in the effort to normalize Ciliwung river so that the flooding problem the frequently hit Jakarta could be immediately overcome.
"Jokowi will definitely understand (the situation) because he was once Jakarta Governor,” Djarot said after visiting the East Flood Canal in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta.
The help from the central government, Djarot said, was needed so that the normalization of Ciliwung river could be immediately implemented.
He also said the Ciliwung river normalization is one of the priority programs to tackle floods in the city.
In his impromptu visit to Ciliwung river, Djarot visited several places in the river to inspect the dredging process, the normalization process, the construction of the waterway.
To face the rainy season, Djarot also instructed officials within the Jakarta provincial government to work harder.
"We have to work harder if want Jakarta to be free of floods,” he said.
YOLANDA RYAN ARMINDYA