Pekalongan flood
The government has stepped up to support Pekalongan flood victims, providing much-needed food aid after severe rainfall triggered flooding and landslides in Central Java.
Assistance, including rice, cooking oil, and sugar, was distributed to affected communities. This initiative was a collaborative effort involving the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, the National Food Agency, and the Central Java provincial government.
Pekalongan Flood Victims: Collaborative Relief Efforts Bring Urgent Support
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized the importance of working together to respond to the disaster. He shared that the provincial government delivered 10 tons of rice across several shipments to maintain sufficient supplies for those affected. Private businesses also contributed, donating cooking oil and sugar to support the relief efforts.
The aid was distributed to three of the hardest-hit areas in Pekalongan. Acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana called disaster response a shared responsibility. He stressed the need for coordination, particularly with the risks posed by extreme weather conditions. Broken embankments, he added, often worsen flooding in local communities.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions Amidst Rising Risks
Pekalongan Flood Victims: Sudjana urged local governments in Central Java to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to disasters. He called for swift action to address potential threats and mitigate further damage. With the rainy season causing more frequent and intense weather events, preparedness is critical.
President Prabowo Subianto also addressed the crisis, instructing the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to act quickly. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, the President directed the BNPB to coordinate with local governments and related agencies to ensure aid reaches victims without delay. He expressed his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the disaster, including the tragic loss of a five-month-old baby in the landslide.
The floods and landslides, which occurred after prolonged rainfall earlier in the week, have taken a heavy toll on several regions in Central Java, including Grobogan, Demak, and Pekalongan. In Petungkriyono, Pekalongan, the landslide death toll rose to 25 as of Saturday, with one person still missing.
Residents in affected areas are grappling with both immediate challenges and long-term impacts. The floods have disrupted daily life, and recovery efforts are just beginning. In some neighborhoods, people rely on makeshift rafts or air mattresses to navigate floodwaters. The government’s relief efforts provide temporary relief, but rebuilding will take time and resources.
Local leaders have called for more permanent solutions to address flood risks. Strengthening embankments, improving drainage systems, and ensuring better coordination during emergencies are among the priorities. These measures aim to protect communities from similar disasters in the future.
For now, the focus remains on helping those impacted. Volunteers, government agencies, and private organizations are working together to provide food, shelter, and medical aid. While challenges remain, the collective effort offers some hope to the residents of Pekalongan as they begin to rebuild their lives.
