Jakarta – Incumbent Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has apologized to residents of Jatipadang subdistrict, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, who are still affected by the recent flooding due to the ongoing rainy season.
Ahok visited the subdistrict on Friday as part of his reelection campaign for the Jakarta gubernatorial election on Feb. 15.
"I apologize to everyone for the flooding that is still affecting [your area.] We have managed to reduce flood prone areas from 2,000 to 400, and we will keep working," said Ahok during the door to door campaign to residents of the Jatipadang subdistrict as reported by kompas.com.
A resident said the water reached two meters during the recent flooding. "The water was high here, as high as my neck. But it soon receded," one of the residents told Ahok.
The residents expressed the hope that the Jakarta administration would build higher walls along the bank of Serua River to prevent the flooding because it was caused by the overflow of the river.
Ahok explained to the residents that many parts of South Jakarta have been allocated for water conservation. Therefore, he added, people have to be ready to move to low-cost apartments to avoid future flooding. (bbn)