TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo released three instructions to manage flood in Jakarta Greater areas or Jabodetabek during a meeting at Merdeka State Palace, Central Jakarta on Wednesday, January 8, with heads of regions affected by the disaster early this year and ministers.

“The President first orders reforestation to be soon executed. Not only planting perennial plants but also vetiver plants that will prevent erosion,” said Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono in a press conference after the meeting.

According to Basuki, the President instructed to expedite the construction of dams in Sukamahi and Ciawi. The state head also urged the completion of the construction of the East Flood Canal in Ciliwung this year.

Basuki added the remaining problem in the East Flood Canal Project was the land clearing. For this, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan had addressed the issue.

“[Ciliwung River] normalization and naturalization will be finished immediately. This program is not only for Ciliwung but other 13 rivers, namely Pesanggrahan, Angke, Sunter, Mookervart, and others,” Basuki explained.

The minister noted that his side would collaborate with Jakarta administration and other regional governments to implement the long-term flood mitigation program faster. “Hopefully, we will see better development in 2-3 years,” Basuki said.

EGI ADYATAMA