Jakarta – State Minister for Environmental Affairs Nabiel Makarim said on Wednesday that the current flooding in Greater Jakarta was the result of years of massive malfeasance in city planning and law enforcement which has led to major environmental destruction.

Nabiel told El Shinta radio on Wednesday that people are now suffering from the consequences of such mismanagement. "Lack of catchment and green belt areas, improper building development, lack of city planning and weak law enforcement all have contributed to the problems of flooding," Nabiel said.

The minister further called on the public to be active in demanding their rights for a safe environment and development planning. "Environmentalists such as Emil Salim had voiced concerns about this since the early 1980s. Our ministry has filed a lawsuit against developers who have created environmental destruction ... but the court ruled against such complaints," he said.

The minister said that actually the weather predictions have been provided since December last year. The volume of rain is actually normal, he said. "But because of the deteriorating environment flooding is inevitable."

Nabiel also warned people to be alert during this rainy season. "If their houses are not flooded, they shouldn't go out because they will only be trapped in traffic congestion. Instead, we should help each other by providing food, clothing and bedding for the flood victims," he said.

The government has also deployed Marine personnel to evacuate residents trapped in the water and to distribute food and aid. Nabiel has been an outspoken environmentalist since early 1980s. He is in the same league as Emil Salim.