Dede Leni Mardianti, Jakarta – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has reported a surge in hydrometeorological disasters over the last 48 hours, with East Java, Riau, and South Kalimantan emerging as the hardest-hit regions.
In East Java, heavy rainfall on December 15 triggered a levee breach in Banyuwangi, inundating three districts and affecting 1,506 homes with floodwaters reaching 80 centimeters.
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the BNPB, confirmed that while waters are receding, joint teams remain on-site to repair the damaged infrastructure. "Based on field observations, the flood is gradually receding, and the joint team is currently repairing the damaged levee," he said in a press release on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
In Jember, the river overflows submerged five districts, affecting 1,271 houses and washing one away entirely. Two bridges were severed, forcing several residents to seek shelter in local places of worship. Meanwhile, in Sampang Regency, extreme weather damaged 60 homes and left one person injured as emergency teams worked to clear debris and fallen trees.
"The joint team is clearing fallen trees and debris from the damaged houses," said Abdul.
The crisis extended to South Kalimantan, where prolonged downpours on December 16 flooded 16 districts in Banjar Regency and three districts in Tabalong. Local disaster agencies are currently coordinating evacuations and distributing basic aid to more than 1,000 affected households.
In Riau Province, flooding was reported in Indragiri Hulu and Siak. While road access in some areas has returned to normal, residents in Siak were evacuated to temporary shelters as water levels reached 30 centimeters.
Abdul Muhari warned that the potential for extreme weather remains high. He urged local governments to reinforce levees, clear drainage systems, and ensure evacuation routes are ready.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecast for December 17-19, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to persist across nearly all of Indonesia, including Jakarta, West Java, and the central and eastern islands. Authorities advise the public to remain vigilant as the risk of secondary flooding continues.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2074423/bnpb-floods-hit-multiple-regions-across-indonesi