The floods that frequently hit Jakarta have once again become a bitter reality for affected residents. Today, Monday, January 12, 2026, the nightmare recurred, claiming homes, paralyzing activities, and leaving behind deep losses. For Jakarta residents, this disaster is not just an annual routine, but an anxiety they must now face again.

Why Does Jakarta Often Flood?

Jakarta's geographical location, situated on a low-lying plain between river headwaters and the coast, makes it a highly vulnerable area. At least three main factors trigger annual floods:

• Flooding due to local rainfall: Floods in Jakarta are often triggered by high-intensity, long-duration rainfall occurring directly in urban areas. This rainwater fills drainage channels and concave areas, and if the water volume exceeds capacity, overflows are inevitable.
• Upstream flooding: Due to Jakarta's topographic position as a low-lying area that is the confluence for 13 major rivers, Jakarta is highly dependent on weather conditions in its surrounding regions. High-intensity rainfall in upstream areas such as West Java and Banten sends massive volumes of water downstream through the rivers that dissect Jakarta.
• Tidal flooding (Rob): In coastal areas, in addition to rainfall and upstream contributions, Jakarta also faces the threat of tidal flooding, or storm surges. This phenomenon primarily affects coastal areas in North Jakarta. This condition is further exacerbated by the continuous phenomenon of land subsidence.

The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPDBD) reported the expansion of flood-affected areas due to high-intensity rainfall in the capital. As of Monday (12/1) at 10:00 AM WIB, 23 roads and 10 community units (RTs) in South Jakarta and North Jakarta were inundated.

Here is a list of affected roads:

• Jalan Anggrek, Rawa Badak Utara Urban Village.
• Jalan Walang Baru V11 A, Tugu Utara Urban Village.
• Jalan Rorotan 10, Rorotan Urban Village.
• Jalan Taman Stasiun, Tanjung Priok Urban Village.
• Jalan Rawa Indah, RT.03/03, Penganggsaan Dua Urban Village.
• Jalan Penganggsaan Dua in front of Greenhill Apartment, Penganggsaan Dua Urban Village.
• Jalan Hybrida, Penganggsaan Dua Urban Village.
• Jalan Penganggsaan Dua in front of RJTM, Penganggsaan Dua Urban Village.
• Jalan Arteri, Penganggsaan Dua Urban Village.
• Jalan Agung Karya V1, Sungai Bambu Urban Village.
• Jalan Jampea, RW 007, Koja Urban Village.
• Jalan Deli, RW 007, Koja Urban Village.
• Lorong 22, RW 007, Koja Urban Village.
• Jalan Mawar, RW 002, Koja Urban Village.
• Jalan Cipeucang V, RW 012, Koja Urban Village.
• Lorong Z, RW 001, Koja Urban Village.
• Jalan Muara Baru, Pluit Sea View, Penjaringan Urban Village.
• Jalan Yos Sudarso, in front of Altira, Sunter Jaya Urban Village.
• Jalan Sunter Indah Raya, Sunter Jaya Urban Village.
• Jalan Raya Jagakarsa, Jagakarsa Urban Village.
• Jalan Balai Rakyat, Jagakarsa Urban Village.
• Jalan Kelapa Hijau, Jagakarsa Urban Village.

Inauguration of Cilangkap Giri Kencana Reservoir

The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung Wibowo, officially opened the Cilangkap Giri Kencana Reservoir in East Jakarta (12/1/2026). This inauguration marks progress towards the target of building eight reservoirs across Jakarta to systematically address flood issues.

The Governor stated that since the beginning of his tenure, he has instructed the acceleration of water control infrastructure development. "These reservoirs were built to directly address inundation problems in vulnerable locations," he concluded.

As an early mitigation effort, here are strategic steps that can be taken to minimize impact before a flood disaster occurs.

• Risk Analysis: Understand the potential hazards and flood risk level in your living environment.
• Evacuation Plan: Understand evacuation routes well and determine the nearest assembly point or safe area.
• Disaster Preparedness Bag: Prepare an emergency bag containing essential needs (medication, flashlight, and clothing).
• Document Digitization: Scan important documents into digital form, and secure physical files in a high place.
• Home Modification: Raise the floor of your house as a long-term physical protection effort.
• Weather Monitoring: Monitor weather information and early warnings through official channels such as BMKG or BPBD.

To ensure life safety and minimize risks when floods strike, immediately take the following emergency steps.

• Prioritize Evacuation: Immediately proceed to an evacuation point or higher ground calmly and cautiously.
• Electrical Safety: Turn off all electricity from the main switch (MCB) to prevent the risk of electrocution in the water.
• Use Protective Gear: Wear boots and gloves to avoid direct contact with dirty water and sharp objects.
• Secure Important Assets: Move documents and valuable items to the safest and highest place.
• Clean Water Supply: Immediately collect or prepare clean water before the water source is contaminated by the flood.
• Avoid Driving: Do not force yourself to cross flooded areas as the current can sweep away vehicles.
• Emergency Reporting: Immediately inform local authorities of the current situation or request assistance.

Post-Flood Safety and Recovery Steps: After the water recedes, be sure to follow these recovery procedures to maintain your family's health and safety.

• Beware of Contamination: Avoid direct contact with residual floodwater as it is likely contaminated with waste and harmful bacteria.
• Electrical and Gas Inspection: Do not turn on electricity or gas appliances until they are confirmed to be completely dry and safe by an expert.
• Structural Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the physical condition of the building to identify any cracks or potentially dangerous damage.
• Environmental Sanitation: Immediately clean the house and surrounding area of mud and trash, then disinfect to kill germs.

Conclusion