JAKARTA – The government’s integrated response to the floods that have affected Jabodetabek continues to be carried out through various relevant agencies. The main focus is on meeting the basic needs of evacuees and implementing weather mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of further flooding. This situation has become a serious concern due to the high rainfall that has caused inundation in several residential areas.
Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, stated that logistical aid has been distributed to ensure the basic needs of affected communities are met.
“We are striving to provide fast and equitable assistance, such as mattresses, ready-to-eat meals, clothing, and setting up community kitchens at several evacuation points,” said Saifullah Yusuf.
In addition to distributing aid, the process of victim data collection and assessing the disaster’s impact continues comprehensively. Coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is crucial in ensuring that all affected citizens receive the necessary assistance. Saifullah Yusuf also added that the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has prepared social workers to provide psychosocial support for those affected by the trauma caused by this disaster.
In terms of mitigation, Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, emphasized the importance of weather modification technology to reduce rainfall in flood-prone areas. Weather modification is carried out by dispersing certain substances in the clouds to induce rainfall in safer areas.
“Weather modification is conducted to reduce the potential for extreme rainfall, thus minimizing the risk of more widespread flooding. Periodic evaluations are being conducted to ensure the effectiveness of this measure,” explained Dwikorita Karnawati.
This effort is ongoing and is expected to help speed up the recovery process in the affected areas. BMKG also continues to update weather information as a preventive measure for the community.
Meanwhile, Head of BNPB, Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, assured that synergy among agencies is the key to success in handling the floods. Volunteers and logistical aid have been deployed to various areas to assist the affected population. Combined teams are also conducting debris cleaning and spraying disinfectants to prevent the spread of diseases.
“We will continue to coordinate with BMKG and the Ministry of Social Affairs to ensure that the recovery process runs optimally until the situation returns to normal,” said Suharyanto.
The synergy between the government, technology, and the public is expected to minimize the impact of the disaster and accelerate the post-flood recovery in Jabodetabek. Active support from various community elements also plays an important role in strengthening recovery efforts.
