Irfan Ahmad, Andrew Tito, Jakarta – Flooding in Jakarta is expected to continue through the weekend as heavy rain and extreme weather are forecast to return to the capital, the city's disaster mitigation agency said on Friday.
The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD Jakarta) issued an early warning for extreme weather and the potential for intense rainfall through Saturday, as flooding disrupted traffic across the capital on Friday morning.
Isnawa Adji, acting head of BPBD Jakarta, said prolonged heavy rainfall could worsen flooding conditions by placing additional strain on the city's drainage system and river flows.
"We urge Jakarta residents to increase vigilance and preparedness during this period, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, along riverbanks, and in neighborhoods with limited drainage capacity," Isnawa said.
BPBD Jakarta advised residents to take simple but essential precautionary measures, including carrying umbrellas or raincoats when traveling outdoors and adjusting travel schedules to reduce the risk of being caught in heavy rain.
The agency also encouraged residents to prepare for possible evacuation by securing important documents, personal medications, emergency supplies, clothing, and other basic necessities.
Separately, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the city administration would accelerate river normalization projects as a medium-term solution to recurring flooding.
"Several rivers have narrowed and require immediate attention. I have approved the normalization of the Cakung Lama River," Pramono said.
The Jakarta government has also extended cloud-seeding operations through Jan. 27 to help suppress rainfall and reduce the risk of further flooding. Pramono said sufficient funding has been allocated to support the weather modification program for up to 30 days.
"Cloud-seeding operations, which were originally scheduled to end on Jan. 23, have now been extended to Jan. 27, with three flights conducted each day," he said.
In addition, Pramono urged commuters to work from home temporarily and encouraged schools to switch to remote learning to minimize disruptions caused by flooding and traffic congestion.
"The Jakarta provincial government has issued circulars on work-from-home arrangements through the Manpower Agency and school-from-home measures through the Education Agency," Pramono said at City Hall.
"These steps are being taken to anticipate flooding and traffic congestion in Jakarta," he added.
Jakarta and its surrounding areas have experienced repeated flooding over December and January due to persistent heavy rainfall, compounded by inadequate drainage systems, reduced river capacity caused by waste accumulation, and illegal settlements along riverbanks.
Authorities said mitigation efforts will continue as the city remains on high alert for further extreme weather.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-flooding-expected-to-persist-through-the-weeken