Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung personally inspected the dredging project of the West Flood Canal (KBB) in Kebon Melati area, Central Jakarta, Friday (4/10).

The project aims to accelerate water flow toward the sea and minimize flood risks in strategic points across the capital.

"Today, we are at the West Flood Canal dredging site. This is a very, very, very strategic location for addressing one of Jakarta's flooding issues, as it is the confluence of the Ciliwung and Krukut rivers," he expressed.

He noted that the canal had long been overdue for dredging. The initiative spans 3.8 kilometers, aiming to lift 178,000 cubic meters of mud, and is expected to last for about a year.

To ensure the project finishes on time, the Governor has briefed the Mayor of Central Jakarta and the Head of Water Resources Agency.

"This is a top priority for the Jakarta Government. I’ve assigned the Mayor and the Head of Water Resources Agency, with the support of the local sub-agency, to take full responsibility. This project must not fail and cannot be delayed," he explained.

"This is a priority program for the Jakarta government. I have tasked the Mayor of Central Jakarta and the Head of the Water Resources Agency—supported by the Central Jakarta Sub-agency as the party in charge—to ensure this project does not fail and stays on schedule," he continued.

This dredging is part of a broader series of river normalization efforts, including the Krukut, Ciliwung, and Old Cakung (Cakung Lama) rivers, where work is currently progressing in tandem with the land acquisition process.

He stated that the Jakarta government plans to capitalize on the dry spell brought by El Niño from mid-April to September to speed up Jakarta’s river normalization projects.

"With BMKG forecasting a decrease in rain from mid-April through September due to El Niño, the Jakarta government will focus intensely on river dredging and normalization," he explained.

Regarding the waste and sediment from the dredging, it will be disposed of at a containment site in North Jakarta. He hoped, river normalization would reduce the potential for inundation and flooding, particularly during periods of high-intensity rainfall.

"Hopefully, the flow of water to the sea will become much faster. The challenge is that if tidal flooding (rob) occurs, it will remains an issue as the water will not be able to recede into the ocean," he hoped.

As a background, the West Flood Canal serves as a key pillar of Jakarta’s flood management system. Its role is to redirect and manage water volume from the Ciliwung River and various urban drainage networks.

Starting at the Manggarai Sluice Gate—where water flow is controlled—the canal carries water westward past densely populated districts like Tanah Abang and Grogol, eventually emptying into the sea at Muara Angke.

By utilizing this system, the pressure on drainage networks in the heart of the city is alleviated, effectively curbing the risk of floods.

Regular dredging is essential to clear out the silt, mud, and trash that settle at the bottom of the canal. This maintenance is crucial for recovering the canal’s maximum capacity and maintaining a smooth, efficient water flow.