Jakarta Legislative Council Slams City's Poor Flood Handling

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker Prasetio Edi Marsudi criticized the Capital City’s administration for the lack of swift preparedness in handling the floods across multiple city areas. 

Preasetio said the equipment and supplies of Jakarta’s Water Resources Agency (SDA) had not worked properly as the city was quickly submerged by flash floods. He claimed to have found the batteries powering the water pumps had failed to work, even though he asserted that it was purchased in November 2019. 

“This means the Jakarta administration was not prepared. When the rain started to fall, they should have checked their tools for ‘battle in the field.’ Our battle is with water,” said Prasetio at his office in Central Jakarta on Thursday, January 2. 

Prasetio also criticized the performance of the Public Facility Maintenance Agency (PPSU), which he argues based on field observations, showed signs of passiveness as the PPSU members had only started acting after a command was issued. 

“The PPSU was not maximized. And the one giving commands in the field is lost. They are only waiting for commands,” said the PDIP politician.

LANI DIANA WIJAYA