As Jakarta enters the rainy season, the city is doubling down on flood management to reduce inundation risks. Governor Pramono Anung led the Jakarta Rainy Season Preparedness and Simulation Ceremony at the Lebak Bulus River Overflow Area in South Jakarta on November 4, 2025, marking a comprehensive citywide effort that brings together the military, police, and all provincial departments.
“According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), rainfall will increase from November to February. We are preparing early to ensure flood management is not delayed. Overall, flood handling in Jakarta has improved, although several embankment points still require attention.” Governor Pramono said, as quoted by Jakarta.go.id.
Combining Engineering and Nature-Based Solutions
The city’s strategy reflects both engineering and nature-based solutions. Over 1,800 river and reservoir points are being dredged—equivalent to more than 721,000 cubic meters of sediment removal—to increase water capacity.
The Jakarta Provincial Government has deployed 560 stationary and 627 mobile pumps, supported by 258 excavators and 449 dump trucks across all administrative areas. Seven new pump houses and floodgates are also being built to anticipate tidal flooding in the northern coastal region.
In his address, Pramono highlighted that Jakarta, a low-lying delta city intersected by 13 rivers and two floodways, faces complex hydrological challenges.
“Much of Jakarta lies below sea level, with several basin areas. Every rainy season, we face the risk of inundation and floods,” he told reporters.
To better manage extreme rainfall, Jakarta will conduct Weather Modification Operations (WMO) from November 5–10, in partnership with the national government.
“If heavy rain coincides with high tides and upstream floods, our goal is to ensure floodwaters recede within one day. Based on previous experiences, inundation could subside in about six hours,” Pramono said.
The city is also prioritizing nature-based solutions, including the gradual construction of new retention basins, reservoirs, and wetlands (embung) to absorb runoff.
“Step by step, we are applying nature-based solutions in building water catchment areas across Jakarta,” the governor said, as quoted by Antara.
In addition, more than 62,000 trees that pose a falling risk are being pruned or replaced. The cross-agency “Pasukan Pelangi” (Rainbow Task Force) has been mobilized for rapid field response and continuous monitoring, while communities are encouraged to stay informed about extreme weather through ongoing education campaigns.
“Preparedness is not only about tools and logistics—it is also about commitment and collaboration. Starting today, Jaga Jakarta (Guard Jakarta) becomes a joint movement involving the provincial government, the army, police, volunteers, and the public.” Pramono emphasized.
Follow-up preparedness ceremonies are scheduled across all Jakarta municipalities and the Thousand Islands this November to ensure readiness from the upstream to coastal areas.
Governor Pramono concluded, “Disasters can strike anytime, but preparedness is a choice. This initiative shows our shared commitment to protect the people of Jakarta.”
Source: jakarta.go.id, Antara, Inilah, Detik
Photo Credit: doc. jakarta.go.id. (Pemprov DKI Jakarta)
