PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - Acting Regent of Bekasi Asep Surya Atmaja visited residents affected by flooding in Srimukti Village, Tambun Utara District, together with the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka to prepare a long-term solution through the normalization of the Cikarang Bekasi Laut River (19/01/2026).

This visit was carried out because flooding in North Tambun occurs almost every year and disrupts the activities of thousands of residents.

Asep assessed that the flood was triggered by the Cikarang Bekasi Laut River's function not being optimal in accommodating the water discharge.

He emphasized that without comprehensive normalization, flooding will continue to recur in Srimukti, Wanasari, and other areas that flow upstream from the river.

"If the Cikarang Bekasi Laut River isn't normalized, it will continue like this. This isn't just in Srimukti, but also in Wanasari and other areas upstream from the CBL," he said.

Asep said the normalization proposal had been received directly by the Vice President as an urgent need for Bekasi residents.

The Bekasi Regency Government is currently identifying priority river sections and the length of the segments that must be addressed first.

In addition to normalization, the government is preparing a diversion option to reduce the flow queues from small rivers that flow into large rivers.

"Because the CBL is large, while small rivers end up queuing. One future option is a diversion channel. But we will first examine this technically with the relevant agencies," he explained.

Asep scheduled a follow-up meeting with the technical department and sub-district head to discuss land, budget, and planning.

He also said that the retaining wall project on the Gabus River needed to be continued even though it was still constrained by budget.

"One side is already in place, but the other side needs to be continued. The planning is still in place, but the budget isn't yet available. We will fight for this to continue," he said.

While preparing a permanent solution, the government distributed emergency aid in the form of clean water, rice, instant noodles, blankets, and ready-to-eat food.

Officers have put boats on standby because several points are still quite deep inundated.

Preliminary data shows that around 200 residents were affected in Srimukti Village.

Overall, floods hit 16 sub-districts with 54 inundation points in Bekasi Regency.

"We're still providing emergency assistance, but the most important thing is a permanent solution. That's what we're pushing for and will continue to push for," Asep emphasized.

This step gives residents hope, as river normalization is believed to be able to reduce flooding and protect their homes and livelihoods. (Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)