TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan admitted that the government’s river normalization program was not yet optimal in preventing floods in the capital. The program had been carried out in Ciliwung River.

"It is true that river restoration program has been carried out but flooding still occurs," said Anies while inspecting the Ciliwung River in Kampung Pulo, East Jakarta, Thursday, January 2.

Ciliwung River overflowed following heavy rainfall on New Year's Eve on Tuesday. Thousands of houses near the area were flooded with a height of 0.5-2 meters.

According to Anies, a long-term, comprehensive study on flood mitigation in the city is necessary, especially on controlling water in the upstream by building dams.

In addition, the government must build reservoirs and dams to collect water. "So there will be retention ponds to control the volume of water flowing downstream," he said.

By that way, Anies Baswedan expressed optimism that flooding in the capital can be minimized. "But the authority is on the central government," he said. "Jakarta focuses on ensuring the safety of citizens, ensuring public services."

Meanwhile, Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadi Moeljono voiced different opinions in light of the solution for flooding in Jakarta. According to Basuki, the floods can be overcome if Ciliwung River is restored.

IMAM HAMDI