Jakarta – In response to the current inundation affecting parts of Jakarta, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's actions in recent days have prompted many to speculate that he is competing with the popular Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

After touring areas affected by flooding on a military boat late last week, Yudhoyono stepped up his game on Sunday and held an emergency meeting inside an evacuation point in East Jakarta.

The highly-publicized event took place inside the Otista Sports Hall in Jatinegara where 1,558 flood victims are currently being housed. During the meeting, Yudhoyono listened to presentations by Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto regarding future plans for flood prevention as well as Jokowi and his preventive measures.

During the meeting Yudhoyono announced a Rp 2 trillion (US$207.68 million) comprehensive flood prevention project, which would focus on the Ciliwung River, Antara news agency reported.

Starting this year, the central government and the Jakarta administration will jointly construct a waterway to connect the East Flood Canal and Ciliwung River as well a massive river dredging project, part of plans to allow water to reach the North Coast of Jakarta unimpeded.

"[As seen] in the current flood situation: Why did the floodwaters flow only to the West Flood Canal, while the East Flood Canal is relatively empty? This is a waste. We have to channel some of the water to the East Flood Canal," Yudhoyono said during a press conference.

The Rp 500 billion waterway project is expected to be completed in 2014.

Yudhoyono said the government would also kick off a Rp 1.2 trillion river restoration project as well as a Rp 300 billion project for stopgap measures including the procurement of more water pumps and portable toilets for communities living on the banks of the Ciliwung.

Jokowi's presentation centered around a proposal for the construction of massive reservoirs in Ciawi, Bogor and Cimanggis, Depok. "We have met Vice President Boediono, [he said that] there was a 300 hectare piece of land bank available," Jokowi said.

The Public Works Minister balked at the proposal saying that the project would be too costly. "We already have the project in our master plan, but the cost is too high and it will only make a small impact on flood prevention efforts," Jokowi said.

Jokowi also said that the ministry would have the final decision on the "deep tunnel" project in the next month.

Following the meeting, Yudhoyono continued with his charm offensive by visiting the flood victims sheltering in the sports center. He told the victims to be patient as the government had prepared a strategic long term plan to prevent a reoccurrence of the situation.

In the shelter's emergency kitchen, Yudhoyono tasted some of the food prepared for the victims. "Delicious," he remarked after tasting an anchovy and peanut cracker.

From the sports center, Yudhoyono – donning a short-sleeved shirt and brown vest – took a walk to the Bidara Cina slums shaking hands and talking to local residents along the way.

Some of the residents seemed to be more interested in cheering for Jokowi, who is better known for his blusukan (unannounced visits). "Pak Jokowi, Pak Jokowi, let's take pictures together," some of the locals called out while trying to reach out to him.

Earlier this month, Yudhoyono made an impromptu visit to a fishing village in Tangerang, which many said was inspired by Jokowi's frequent trips to the city's corners.

Analysts have said that Yudhoyono's change of style was motivated by the necessity to drum up support for his Democratic Party, currently hit by graft scandals. (yps)