Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno led a simultaneous cleanup effort across eight sub-districts in West Jakarta.

Rano said the effort focused on flood mitigation, waste management, and the restoration of public assets, particularly in Kamal Urban Village, Kalideres Sub-district.

"The main focus of this activity is to address environmental issues of shared concern, ranging from waste handling and sediment buildup in drainage channels to the risk of falling trees," he said on Sunday (4/12).

Rano also highlighted the threat of the El Niño phenomenon, or prolonged dry season, which leads to rising temperatures. Based on coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the condition could worsen waste accumulation, potentially becoming a source of disease, particularly breeding grounds for mosquitoes that cause dengue fever, which is dangerous for children.

"The measures include collecting sorted waste, dredging mud, normalizing drainage channels, cleaning water bodies, and demolishing structures built over waterways. In addition, minor repairs to pedestrian facilities, tree pruning, and the arrangement of electrical cables are also being carried out," he explained.

Rano added that the Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing a strategic plan to utilize land in Kamal Urban Village to address the shortage of public cemeteries (TPU), complementing the revitalization of TPU Menteng Pulo and the expansion of TPU Tanah Kusir.

"In addition to its use as a cemetery, the area is also planned to host a flood control reservoir and has the potential to become a source of clean water intake in the future," he said.

He expressed appreciation for the collaboration of all parties involved in the cleanup and hoped similar activities could become a sustained routine movement.

"Hopefully this initiative can be adopted across all areas in Jakarta, including the Thousand Islands. We also thank media colleagues for continuing to highlight these positive activities," he added.

Meanwhile, West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah said the cleanup, involving around 500 joint personnel, aims to mitigate potential flooding and inundation, while also addressing waste issues.

“The handling is carried out in an integrated manner involving all regional agencies (OPDs), the military, the police, and the community, without sectoral ego," she noted.

Iin added that the activity also focused on reorganizing government-owned land previously occupied by residents and now secured by the West Jakarta City Administration.

"Following the relocation of residents to government-owned rental flats and Buddha Tzu Chi flats, non-Jakarta ID holders were assisted in returning to their hometowns. We appreciate all parties who ensured the process went safely and smoothly," she said.