TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Acting Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said the formula to anticipate flooding in Jakarta began from households as the smallest units in the society. He added most of the waste contaminating sewers were mostly of households.
When visiting Manggarai Watergate in South Jakarta, Ahok witnessed a number of plastic waste floating in Ciliwung River. "People buy Starbucks at the mall, yet they litter in the river," said Ahok.
Ahok then said that sub-district and district heads were responsible in monitoring the river and keeping their people from littering into the river. He explained people littering in the river could also be imposed sanctions, such as postponement in administrative processing.
Moreover, Ahok said that sub-district and district heads should play the role of environmental managers who were responsible of coordinating the administration working units when floods hit their area.
"They should be the ones knowing the most about what happens in the neighborhood," he said.
LINDA HAIRANI