Jakarta Underpasses Brace for Rainy Season
Central Jakarta Mayor Arifin recently inspected the pump houses of the Senen Underpass and Jalan Angkasa Underpass in Kemayoran Sub-district, assuring residents that both locations are well-prepared to handle heavy rainfall.
Protecting Vital Transportation Routes
“All is good and we ensure no problems at the peak of the rain this time,” Mayor Arifin stated confidently on December 3. These underpasses are vital transportation routes, and keeping them operational during heavy downpours is crucial to prevent traffic disruptions.
Flooding in either underpass would undoubtedly lead to significant traffic jams, affecting commuters traveling along Jalan Kramat Raya, Jalan Senen Raya, Gunung Sahari, and Jalan Samanhudi. Recognizing this potential hazard, Arifin emphasized the importance of the pump systems.
Round-the-clock Readiness
He confirmed that dedicated personnel would be on standby at the pump houses during the rainy season, ready to operate the pumps at a moment’s notice. “Earlier, I also checked the SOP and measures to deal with heavy rain. Hopefully, if there is heavy rain for a long time there won’t be any flooding,” the mayor asserted, highlighting the meticulous planning in place to mitigate flooding risks.
Powerful Pumps
Muhammad Soleh, Head of the Central Jakarta Bina Marga Bina Marga Sub-agency, provided details about the pump capacity of each underpass. “The Senen Underpass is equipped with four pump units, each with a capacity of 100 liters per second,” Soleh explained.
He added, “Meanwhile, Jalan Angkasa Underpass has four pump units – two units with 100 liters per second capacity and another two units with a slightly higher capacity of 116 liters per second.”
Continuous Maintenance
Muhammad Soleh also confirmed the number of personnel on standby during the rainy season — six at the Senen Underpass Pump House and four at Jalan Angkasa Underpass. He stressed their commitment to maintaining optimal pump performance: “Indeed, of all the pumps, some are in the process of routine maintenance repairs. But, in general, we ensure that the pumps are ready to operate optimally.”
Are there any specific geological challenges that threaten the stability of Jakarta’s underpasses, and how are these being addressed?
## Jakarta Braces for Rainy Season: Are Underpasses Ready?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the program. Today, we’re discussing Jakarta’s preparedness for the upcoming rainy season, particularly focusing on the city’s underpasses. Joining us is [Alex Reed Name], an infrastructure expert. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Jakarta is notorious for heavy downpours, and underpasses have historically been vulnerable to flooding. With the rainy season approaching, how confident are we that these crucial transportation arteries will remain functional?
**Alex Reed:** Well, it’s encouraging to hear that Mayor Arifin recently inspected the pump houses of the Senen and Jalan Angkasa Underpasses and expressed confidence in their readiness. [ [1](https://www.crecg.com/zgztywz/10210594/10210606/10232403/index.html) ]This proactive approach is crucial.
However, we must remember that Jakarta faces unique engineering challenges. The city is located on Java Island, a seismically active zone where the Eurasian, Pacific, and Indian Ocean plates converge. This geological setting can contribute to unstable ground conditions, which can complicate drainage and infrastructure stability.
**Interviewer:** That’s insightful. So, even with these precautions, are there any potential concerns?
**Alex Reed:** It’s vital to remain vigilant. While
pump houses are important, regular maintenance and ongoing monitoring of the underpass structures are crucial, especially considering the potential for weak surrounding rock and underground water sources as mentioned in the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway construction report. This report highlights the geological complexities of the region.[[1](https://www.crecg.com/zgztywz/10210594/10210606/10232403/index.html)].
**Interviewer:** Excellent points. What advice would you give to Jakarta residents navigating the rainy season?
**Alex Reed:** Stay informed. Pay attention to weather forecasts and any announcements from local authorities about potential flooding risks. When using underpasses, exercise caution and be prepared for unexpected delays or detours.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights. It’s clear that while Jakarta is taking steps to prepare its infrastructure, a collaborative approach involving residents and authorities is crucial for navigating the challenges of the rainy season.
