Gov't Launches Aid and Rehab Efforts in Bekasi After Floods

TheIndonesia.co - The government is acting swiftly to address the aftermath of the severe flooding in Bekasi, West Java. Emergency relief efforts have been set in motion, along with a focus on long-term rehabilitation to assist residents in returning to their daily lives. The priority is to restore critical infrastructure and provide essential support to those affected by the disaster.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, spoke on Thursday (March 5th 2025) about the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

"We have started to enter the rehabilitation stage, especially for public service infrastructure, such as bridges and schools that were severely damaged. These facilities must be restored immediately," he stated according to Antara News Agency.

The minister underscored the comprehensive approach being taken, which includes distributing aid, repairing infrastructure, and implementing mitigation measures to prevent future flooding. "We are focusing on all aspects of recovery, from providing emergency relief to reinforcing infrastructure and implementing steps to prevent the recurrence of similar disasters," Pratikno emphasized.

The government has allocated Rp1.4 billion in ready-to-use funds to support disaster management in Bekasi. These funds will help provide vital assistance, including basic food packages, ready-to-eat meals, bottled water, eggs, cooking oil, hygiene kits, blankets, mattresses, folding mattresses, tarpaulins, and boats to assist with evacuations and recovery operations. Additionally, an operational fund of Rp200 million has been dedicated to supporting emergency response activities on the ground.

"As we know, the emergency response is still ongoing. Some people have been evacuated, and those still in their homes also need our help," Pratikno stated.

The government has also successfully carried out weather modification operations aimed at reducing rainfall in the affected regions. These efforts have helped mitigate the intensity of the rainfall, reducing the severity of the flooding in Bekasi and neighboring areas.

In addition to responding to the immediate crisis, Pratikno highlighted the government's proactive approach to disaster mitigation. Collaborating with the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the government is working to design infrastructure that is more resilient to future disasters. "This experience has taught us the importance of acting quickly and in a more integrated way to prevent such events in the future," he concluded.

As a background, Bekasi and surroundings were heavily  impacted from floods in March 3rd 2025 due to the torrential rain. The areas located at the western part of Java, has long been prone to flooding due to its proximity to several rivers, including the Citarum River.

The heavy rains during the wet season, compounded by poor drainage systems and rapid urbanization, have made the area especially vulnerable to flood disasters. In early March 2025, the region experienced severe flooding, displacing thousands of residents, damaging homes and infrastructure, and disrupting daily life.

The government's swift response is seen as a critical step in addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions to reduce the impact of future floods.