Ciliwung River Normalization Project Targeted to Be Completed in 2026

Kapanlagi.com - Flooding remains a frightening specter for the residents of Jakarta, especially during the rainy season with high rainfall. However, there is hope at the end of the tunnel! One of the main solutions proposed by the government is the normalization of the Ciliwung River. This ambitious project is targeted to be completed by 2026 as part of a strategic initiative to control flooding in the capital.

The Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo emphasized that the normalization of the Ciliwung River is a strategic step expected to reduce flood risk by up to 40 percent. However, the journey to success is not smooth. Various challenges, such as land acquisition and resistance from residents, continue to obstruct the smooth progress of this project.

On the other hand, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has also established three priority areas that will be the main focus of normalization. Despite all the obstacles, synergy between the central and regional governments is continuously pursued so that this project can be completed on time.

1. Target Completion of Ciliwung River Normalization in 2026

The central government, through the Ministry of Public Works, aims to complete the normalization of the Ciliwung River by 2026. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that this project is an important part of flood control efforts in Jakarta.

"Our main focus is to expedite land acquisition so that the work can be carried out in stages starting this year until next year," said Dody in Jakarta, Thursday (13/3/2025), as quoted by Antara.

As of now, out of the total length of the Ciliwung River that will be normalized, which is 33.69 km, only 17.14 km has been completed. The remaining 16.55 km is still awaiting the completion of land acquisition. The total land required for this project reaches 35.94 hectares, with 5,353 plots of land that need to be acquired.

Three Priority Areas for Ciliwung River Normalization

The DKI Jakarta provincial government has established three main areas that will be the focus of land acquisition for the normalization of the Ciliwung River. These three areas are Cawang, Bidara Cina, and Pengadegan.

• Cawang: 411 plots of land with a total area of 58,946 m²
• Bidara Cina: 162 plots of land with a total area of 57,035 m²
• Pengadegan: 61 plots of land with a total area of 13,101 m²

The main obstacles in these three areas are land ownership that still requires verification, budget limitations, and the refusal of residents who do not want their land to be acquired.

2. Challenges in Land Acquisition and Community Resistance

Normalization of the Ciliwung River is indeed very crucial, but the journey of this project has not been as smooth as expected. One of the biggest challenges faced is the land acquisition process, which is hampered by resistance from several residents along the riverbanks, who are concerned about the social and economic impacts of relocation.

On the other hand, the government is also struggling with budget limitations for land compensation. Nevertheless, both the central and local governments continue to strive to find the best solutions so that normalization can proceed without causing prolonged social conflict.

The DKI Jakarta provincial government is committed that once the land is successfully acquired, it will immediately carry out river widening, construction of embankments, and creation of inspection roads to enhance drainage functions optimally.

3. Government Steps to Accelerate the Normalization Project

In order to overcome various obstacles, the central and regional governments continue to coordinate so that the normalization project can run smoothly. The Ministry of Public Works collaborates with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to expedite the land acquisition process.

In addition, the government is also implementing other flood control strategies, such as:

• Construction of two dry dams in Sukamahi and Ciawi, Bogor Regency.
• A diversion tunnel for the Ciliwung River measuring 1,268 meters long with two pipelines of 3.5 meters in diameter.
• Weather Modification Operations (OMC) conducted to reduce the intensity of rainfall in Jakarta.

4. What is the Impact of the Normalization of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Residents?

With the completion of the normalization project, the Ciliwung River is expected to flow more smoothly, thus significantly minimizing the risk of flooding in Jakarta. Not only that, the construction of supporting infrastructure such as levees and inspection roads will also beautify and improve the environmental quality around the river.

The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, emphasized that this project not only serves to control floods but also to increase the river's capacity to efficiently hold and convey water.

Considering the vital role of the Ciliwung River in Jakarta's drainage system, this normalization is an important step not only to reduce the threat of flooding but also to ensure optimal water flow.

5. FAQ

1. Why is the normalization of the Ciliwung River important for Jakarta?

Normalization is carried out to reduce the risk of flooding by increasing the river's capacity to hold and flow water.

2. What are the main obstacles in the normalization of the Ciliwung River?

The main obstacles include land acquisition, budget constraints, and resistance from residents living along the riverbanks.

3. When will the normalization project of the Ciliwung River be completed?

The government targets to complete this project by 2026.

4. What is the impact of normalization for the residents of Jakarta?

The impacts include reduced flood risk, a more organized environment, and better infrastructure around the river.

(kpl/rmt)