Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Flooding in Jakarta; Authorities Deploy Police and SAR Teams

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stressed that tackling flooding in the capital will require coordinated efforts and a phased approach, spanning short-, medium- and long-term measures.

“Without collective action, floods could recur. The government and residents must work together to protect the environment,” Pramono said in Jakarta on Saturday.

Pramono said the amount of waste clogging rivers had dropped significantly, adding that the latest flooding was largely driven by extreme rainfall—averaging around $200$ millimeters per day and reaching as high as $260$ millimeters in several areas.

He said the Jakarta administration had mapped out flood mitigation strategies across short-, medium- and long-term time frames.

According to Pramono, the normalization of three major rivers—Ciliwung River, Krukut River and Cakung Lama River—will serve as a medium- to long-term measure to reduce flood risks.

Short-term steps, he added, include Weather Modification Operations (Operasi Modifikasi Cuaca/OMC), routine drainage and canal cleaning, as well as public reminders not to litter.

“Due to this extreme rainfall, we have approved work-from-home and school-from-home policies, and circular letters have been issued by the Education Agency and the Manpower Agency,” he said.

Previously, from Friday (Jan. 23) through Saturday morning, flooding persisted at many locations across Jakarta following extreme rainfall and river overflows.

As a result, more than $125$ to $143$ neighborhood units (RT) were affected across multiple areas, including South, West and East Jakarta, as well as North and Central Jakarta.

Water levels reached up to about $1.2$ meters in several locations, with key roads inundated—disrupting transportation and triggering severe traffic congestion.

The Jakarta provincial administration has also urged residents to work from home and study from home until at least Jan. 27, 2026, citing safety concerns and the need to reduce traffic density.

Police and search-and-rescue (SAR) teams have been deployed to assist with traffic management, evacuations and security for affected residents.

Relentless heavy rain and swelling major rivers have expanded the flooded areas across the city.

Based on data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), rainfall is expected to remain high over the next several days, raising the likelihood of further inundation and river overflows.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara