JK Urges Jakarta Residents to Take Responsibility for Flood Prevention & Cleanliness

Jakarta residents are being urged to take personal responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of their environment as a key step in preventing future flooding. The call to action came from Jusuf Kalla (JK), Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Central, following a community cleanup effort with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung in Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta, on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The Root of the Problem

JK emphasized that addressing Jakarta’s flooding issues isn’t solely the Governor’s responsibility, but a collective one. He stated that the city’s cleanliness, or lack thereof, is a shared burden. “We, as residents of Jakarta, must be responsible and work towards keeping our city clean. Helping the Governor means helping ourselves, because we are the ones who dirty Jakarta and we must be the ones to clean it,” JK said.

Did You Know? Jakarta’s flooding disproportionately impacts lower-income communities, while residents in wealthier areas like Menteng, Kebayoran, and Pondok Indah are less likely to be affected.

Drainage and Infrastructure

JK explained that flooding occurs when rainfall exceeds the capacity of the city’s drainage systems. He specifically highlighted the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of rivers, drainage ditches, and sewers as crucial outlets for excess water. “The problem is that the water coming in is more than the water going out,” he stated.

Economic Impact of Flooding

The consequences of flooding extend beyond immediate displacement and damage, according to JK. He pointed to significant economic losses, impacting small businesses like street vendors and shops, as well as larger-scale disruptions like traffic congestion and fuel consumption. He estimated that flooding causes trillions of rupiah in losses annually.

Expert Insight: Placing the onus of environmental responsibility on individual citizens reflects a broader strategy of decentralized problem-solving, shifting away from solely relying on governmental infrastructure projects and towards community-level engagement.

Potential for Enforcement

JK suggested implementing penalties for residents who fail to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings, citing examples from countries like Singapore where even minor infractions, such as littering, are subject to fines. He urged a shift in mindset, emphasizing that individual actions directly impact the collective well-being.

JK concluded by urging residents to take ownership of the situation, stating, “If there’s a flood, don’t blame the Governor, blame yourselves. Why isn’t my house clean? Why isn’t my drain clean? Why am I throwing trash in the river?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of flooding in Jakarta, according to Jusuf Kalla?

According to Jusuf Kalla, flooding in Jakarta is caused by rainfall exceeding the capacity of the city’s drainage systems, which are often obstructed by trash and debris.

Who does Jusuf Kalla believe is responsible for preventing flooding?

Jusuf Kalla believes that all residents of Jakarta share the responsibility for preventing flooding, not just the Governor.

What solution did Jusuf Kalla propose to encourage cleanliness?

Jusuf Kalla proposed implementing sanctions for residents who do not maintain the cleanliness of their environment, drawing a comparison to practices in Singapore.

Considering the potential economic and social impacts of flooding, what role do you believe individual citizens should play in maintaining their communities?