Bekasi River Flood Mitigation Plans After March 2025 Disaster

TheIndonesia.co - The Ministry of Public Works is set to initiate a significant flood mitigation project along the Bekasi River in West Java, following the devastating flood disaster that occurred from March 3rd, 2025. The floodwaters, which reached up to 2.5 meters in some areas, wreaked havoc on the region, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands of residents. In response, the ministry plans to build embankments as a key measure to protect against future flooding.

"We still have some works related to flood control, including securing land for the embankments," stated Deputy Minister of Public Works, Diana Kusumastuti, during a meeting on Monday, according to Antara News Agency.

She explained that the ministry is working to finalize the necessary land availability and will collaborate with various local and national authorities to move the project forward.

Kusumastuti outlined the timeline for the flood mitigation efforts, with the aim to determine the location of the embankments by April 2025. By the end of May, land acquisition will begin, followed by the construction phase starting in June. The embankment project will span 19.4 kilometers of the Bekasi River, and the construction will occur in seven phases, with a total budget of Rp3.6 trillion (US$213 million).

The flood mitigation project is part of a broader effort to address the recurring flood disasters in the region. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (ATR), represented by Minister Nusron Wahid, emphasized the importance of land determination and acquisition in successfully implementing the project. "We are committed to starting the construction of the embankments in June, including efforts to normalize the river, establish boundaries, and improve the region's lakes, irrigation, and dams," Wahid confirmed.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, who has long been vocal about the region’s flooding issues, reiterated his commitment to preventing future floods. According to Mulyadi, three major factors contribute to the frequent flooding in the area:

1. Upstream changes: The conversion of water catchment areas, including forests and plantations, into residential and tourism developments has led to the erosion of vital water absorption zones.
2. Riverbank modifications: Riverbanks have been altered or narrowed, and residential developments have encroached upon river basins, exacerbating the problem.
3. Downstream developments: The conversion of rice fields and swamp areas into residential zones has further reduced the natural flood control capacity of the land.

The Bekasi River embankment project, set to begin in June 2025, is seen as a crucial step toward mitigating future floods in the region, particularly after the severe flooding that occurred earlier this month. Local authorities hope that these flood control efforts will not only prevent similar disasters but also protect the lives and livelihoods of those living in the affected areas.