The construction project for the Dalu-Dalu River embankment in Sukaraja Village, Air Putih District, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, has drawn sharp public scrutiny. The project, valued at Rp11.6 billion, is suspected of not meeting standards, as it began cracking and even collapsed during a flood just months after completion.

Observations on-site show that the river embankment, built using concrete casting, appears cracked and broken due to water pressure when the river’s discharge increased. This condition has raised concerns among residents as it has the potential to trigger flooding and threaten surrounding settlements.

A community figure from Batu Bara Regency suspects the damage to the embankment was caused by weak construction quality and a lack of supervision during the project’s execution. They argue that a structure meant to protect residents was unable to withstand even a short period.

“This is suspected to be due to weak building construction and less-than-optimal supervision. A newly completed structure is already damaged when hit by a flood,” they stated.

The figure urged the project’s implementing partner to take full responsibility by immediately repairing the collapsed embankment. They emphasized that repairs must be carried out seriously and according to technical specifications so the embankment’s function as a flood control measure operates optimally.

“The partner must immediately repair this embankment so it does not have a negative impact on residents, especially when a major flood occurs again,” they asserted.

Furthermore, the figure also requested law enforcement officials to intervene and investigate the project. They hope law enforcement will trace whether the construction of the Dalu-Dalu River embankment was carried out in accordance with the established cost budget plan and technical specifications.

“Law enforcement needs to investigate this Dalu-Dalu River retaining wall project, to clarify whether the work complied with regulations or if there is suspected misconduct,” they concluded.

The collapse of this river embankment project in Batu Bara is expected to receive serious attention from all parties, considering the project was funded by the state budget and concerns public safety and comfort.

Dalu-Dalu River embankment

The Dalu-Dalu River embankment is a modern flood control and infrastructure project located in Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia. It was constructed to protect surrounding communities and agricultural land from seasonal flooding of the Dalu-Dalu River, a tributary of the Rokan River. While not a historical site, its development reflects ongoing regional efforts to manage water resources and mitigate natural disaster risks in Sumatra.

Sukaraja Village

Sukaraja Village is a traditional Sundanese village located in West Java, Indonesia, known for preserving its indigenous *adat* (customs) and architecture. Historically, it has served as a cultural stronghold, maintaining practices like the *Seren Taun* harvest festival and traditional wood-and-bamboo house construction for generations. Today, it functions as both a living community and a cultural tourism site, offering insight into the Sundanese way of life.

Air Putih District

Air Putih District is a coastal district located in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, historically known for its significant coal mining activities. Its name, which translates to “White Water,” is believed to refer to the area’s clear river water. Today, it serves as an important residential and commercial area within the city.

Batu Bara Regency

Batu Bara Regency is a regency located on the northeastern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, established in 2007 after being carved out from the larger Asahan Regency. Historically, its name derives from the Malay words for “stone” and “coal,” referencing the region’s past significance in coal mining, particularly during the Dutch colonial era. Today, it is known for its industrial ports, such as Kuala Tanjung, and its growing economic role alongside its coastal Malay cultural heritage.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is an Indonesian province on the island of Sumatra, most famous for being home to the immense Lake Toba—the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed by a super-eruption around 74,000 years ago. The region is a cultural hub for the Batak people, whose distinct traditions, architecture (notably the boat-shaped *rumah adat*), and music are central to its identity. Historically, it also contained significant kingdoms like Srivijaya and later the Sultanate of Deli, centered in the bustling modern city of Medan.