Jember //TintaPos.Com// – The Jember Regency Government has begun demolishing illegal buildings built on drainage channels along Jalan Trunojoyo.
Flooding mitigation efforts in downtown Jember are now entering a more stringent phase.
This action was evident in a joint operation held on Thursday (April 9), involving various relevant agencies.
In this operation, officers not only carried out demolition but also ensured the process proceeded safely and orderly.
The Jember Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) is at the forefront of securing the location, as the demolition targets buildings previously used for business and residential purposes.
The Head of the Jember Satpol PP, Bambang Rudianto, emphasized that this operation is not merely law enforcement, but part of an effort to protect the interests of the wider community.
“We are not just demolishing, but ensuring public safety and the smooth functioning of city infrastructure,” he said in an official statement.
He explained that several buildings built on drainage channels have caused narrowing and even blocking air flow.
This situation is considered highly risky, especially during times of heavy rainfall. If not addressed immediately, the standing water has the potential to spread into flooding, disrupting business areas of organizations and residents in the Kaliwates area.
This regulation also has a strong legal basis. The government is referring to Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Regulation No. 08 of 2015 and Government Regulation No. 7 of 2001, which expressly prohibit the construction of buildings above irrigation and drainage lines.
In addition to enforcing regulations, this measure is part of a broader disaster mitigation strategy.
The local government is working to alleviate the flooding problem, which has been an annual issue in downtown Jember.
Bambang added that the success of this program depends heavily on synergy between agencies and community support.
“This is a crucial effort to prevent flooding before a disaster occurs. We hope all parties understand that this step is in the common interest,” he emphasized.
With consistent and coordinated measures, it is hoped that the flooding problem in the heart of the city can be significantly reduced.
Going forward, the local government also plans to conduct routine monitoring at areas prone to similar violations to ensure that no further structures obstruct the functioning of the air ducts.
With the normalization of the water channels, it is hoped that the drainage capacity will return to optimal capacity to accommodate rainwater discharge. (pal)
