Tangsel Mayor Benyamin Davnie inspects flooding in the Pondok Maharta Complex, Pondok Aren District, Tangsel City, Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
The Head of the Water Resources, Public Works, and Construction Agency (DSDABMBK) of Tangsel City explained that the flooding in the Pondok Maharta residential area was not caused by rainfall but rather by an extremely low-positioned bridge.
According to the official, the bridge located near Pasar Maharta obstructed the water flow in the Angke River, causing it to overflow onto the road. As a result, floodwaters in the area reached over 1 meter in height.
“We had actually built and raised the river embankment, so if the river hadn’t overflowed, there wouldn’t have been flooding. The issue was the low Pasar Maharta Bridge. We planned to dismantle it, but the community objected due to disruptions it would cause. However, this bridge was indeed one of the causes of the recent flooding,” the official stated.
He further explained that if the Angke River had not overflowed, the flooding in the Maharta Complex would have only been about 40 cm deep. “The recent flooding was due to the river overflowing because of the low bridge,” he said.
The Tangsel City Government plans to construct a reservoir on a 5,000-square-meter plot of land to address flooding in Maharta.
“The solution is to build a reservoir to prevent flooding. However, the reservoir isn’t meant to hold overflow from the river—it can’t handle that volume. Instead, we need to manage the water flow,” he clarified.
To prevent water from spilling into the neighborhood, the agency will install additional water pumps to control the overflow.
“Currently, there are 8 pump stations. This year, we’ll add one more, bringing the total to 9, to ensure water doesn’t flood the surrounding area. The additional pump will help manage water levels within the neighborhood,” he added.
The official also noted that the area’s proximity to Tangerang City complicates flood management, as coordination between jurisdictions is required.
“Tangerang City also needs to take action, such as dredging sediment in the Angke River. Since water flows across regions, we must acknowledge issues like narrowing channels and sedimentation. A comprehensive approach is necessary,” he concluded.
Pondok Maharta Complex
The **Pondok Maharta Complex** is a cultural and historical site in Indonesia, often associated with traditional Javanese architecture and spiritual heritage. It likely served as a *pondok pesantren* (Islamic boarding school) or a communal gathering place, reflecting the region’s Islamic and indigenous influences. While specific historical details may vary, the complex represents Indonesia’s rich blend of religious education and cultural traditions.
Pondok Aren District
Pondok Aren District is a suburban area located in South Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia. Historically, it was part of the larger Tangerang region, known for its mix of urban development and traditional communities. Today, it serves as a residential and commercial hub, with growing infrastructure while retaining some cultural influences from the Sundanese and Betawi peoples.
Pasar Maharta Bridge
The **Pasar Maharta Bridge** is a historic bridge located in **Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, Indonesia**. Built during the Dutch colonial era, it served as a vital transportation link for trade and connectivity in the region. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark, reflecting the area’s colonial heritage and architectural legacy.
Angke River
The Angke River is a historic waterway in Jakarta, Indonesia, originally used for transportation and irrigation during the Dutch colonial era. Its name, meaning “Red River,” is said to derive from a massacre of ethnic Chinese in 1740, turning the waters red with blood. Today, the river faces pollution and urban challenges but remains a significant part of Jakarta’s cultural and historical landscape.
Tangerang City
Tangerang City, located in Indonesia’s Banten Province, is a bustling urban area near Jakarta known for its industrial growth and cultural diversity. Historically, it was a significant trading post during the Dutch colonial era and is home to the Benteng Heritage Museum, which showcases its Chinese-Indonesian heritage. Today, Tangerang serves as a key economic hub while preserving traditions like the annual Peh Cun festival.
