Integrated Task Force Needed for Flood Management in Palembang City
Berita Warga 
Palembang city continues to grapple with persistent flood issues. Various organizations, including Himka, Yayasan Depati, Lintas Aktivitis Antar Generasi, Barikake 98 Kota Palembang, SumSel Budged Center, and orasi, collaborated with relevant authorities such as the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (Dinas PUPR) and the Environmental Agency (DLH) of Palembang in organizing a Seminar and Workshop (SEMILOKA) on spatial perspectives in flood management. This collaborative effort took place at Guns Cafe on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
The event was inaugurated by the Acting Mayor of Palembang, Drs. H. Ratu Dewa. In his address, Ratu Dewa emphasized the crucial role of spatial planning as the foundation for city development and addressing Palembang"s flood issues. Cooperation among stakeholders was underscored as vital for tackling both flood and waste challenges in the city.
Ali Goik, Director of Yayasan Depati, facilitated the SEMILOKA with speakers including Ir. H. Eddy Santana Putra, MT from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR-RI), Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (Kadis PUPR) Palembang Ir. H. Akhmad Bastari Yusak, University of Tamansiswa Palembang Rector Dr. Azwar Agus, SH., M. Hum, and Vebrian Putra Sofa from Walhi Sumsel"s Campaign Division.
Ir. H. Akhmad Bastari, Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency of Palembang, highlighted the significance of spatial structure and pattern in addressing the challenges posed by the city"s growth, national projects, and increased investor interest. He stressed the need to adjust the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) for the years 2012-2023 to accommodate the dynamics of urban growth.
Despite Palembang having 56 percent marshland, it remains vulnerable to floods due to numerous tributaries directly connected to the Musi River. Current conditions include structures above water channels, sedimentation, covered channels, waste, and marshland filling.
The city government"s efforts involve collaborative initiatives, monitoring, flood control, and public awareness campaigns to manage water spaces. Over 300 structures have been demolished, and flood readiness drills have been implemented as concrete steps.
Drs. H. Akhmad Mustain, Head of the Environmental Agency (Dinas LHK) Palembang, discussed waste management strategies, introducing the SPEL program to convert waste into electricity—a innovative approach to addressing the increasing waste problem.
In the context of river issues, Veriyanyo from the Regional Watershed Management Agency provided a comprehensive overview of the situation in South Sumatra, highlighting existing programs and future plans. Mayor Ir. H. Eddy Santana Putra, MM, emphasized natural and human factors affecting floods and the importance of evaluating waste management strategies and the concept of the three Rs (reuse, reduce, recycle).
Vebrian Putra Sofa from Walhi Sumsel expressed concerns about ecological damage and violations of spatial plans. He emphasized the role of legal actions in ensuring accountability of authorities related to environmental preservation in Palembang.
Dr. Azwar Agus, UNITAS Rector, stressed the government"s role in serving its citizens and encouraged collaboration among activists, the community, and government officials and academics. To address Palembang"s flood issues, a task force involving stakeholders is proposed to actively engage and oversee the demands won by citizens regarding the city"s floods.
In conclusion and recommendations, the SEMILOKA proposed the establishment of a flood task force to energize stakeholders in flood management in Palembang. The second step involves a review of flood management programs to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness in facing the challenges of Palembang"s floods.
The event was inaugurated by the Acting Mayor of Palembang, Drs. H. Ratu Dewa. In his address, Ratu Dewa emphasized the crucial role of spatial planning as the foundation for city development and addressing Palembang"s flood issues. Cooperation among stakeholders was underscored as vital for tackling both flood and waste challenges in the city.
Ali Goik, Director of Yayasan Depati, facilitated the SEMILOKA with speakers including Ir. H. Eddy Santana Putra, MT from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR-RI), Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (Kadis PUPR) Palembang Ir. H. Akhmad Bastari Yusak, University of Tamansiswa Palembang Rector Dr. Azwar Agus, SH., M. Hum, and Vebrian Putra Sofa from Walhi Sumsel"s Campaign Division.
Ir. H. Akhmad Bastari, Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency of Palembang, highlighted the significance of spatial structure and pattern in addressing the challenges posed by the city"s growth, national projects, and increased investor interest. He stressed the need to adjust the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) for the years 2012-2023 to accommodate the dynamics of urban growth.
Despite Palembang having 56 percent marshland, it remains vulnerable to floods due to numerous tributaries directly connected to the Musi River. Current conditions include structures above water channels, sedimentation, covered channels, waste, and marshland filling.
The city government"s efforts involve collaborative initiatives, monitoring, flood control, and public awareness campaigns to manage water spaces. Over 300 structures have been demolished, and flood readiness drills have been implemented as concrete steps.
Drs. H. Akhmad Mustain, Head of the Environmental Agency (Dinas LHK) Palembang, discussed waste management strategies, introducing the SPEL program to convert waste into electricity—a innovative approach to addressing the increasing waste problem.
In the context of river issues, Veriyanyo from the Regional Watershed Management Agency provided a comprehensive overview of the situation in South Sumatra, highlighting existing programs and future plans. Mayor Ir. H. Eddy Santana Putra, MM, emphasized natural and human factors affecting floods and the importance of evaluating waste management strategies and the concept of the three Rs (reuse, reduce, recycle).
Vebrian Putra Sofa from Walhi Sumsel expressed concerns about ecological damage and violations of spatial plans. He emphasized the role of legal actions in ensuring accountability of authorities related to environmental preservation in Palembang.
Dr. Azwar Agus, UNITAS Rector, stressed the government"s role in serving its citizens and encouraged collaboration among activists, the community, and government officials and academics. To address Palembang"s flood issues, a task force involving stakeholders is proposed to actively engage and oversee the demands won by citizens regarding the city"s floods.
In conclusion and recommendations, the SEMILOKA proposed the establishment of a flood task force to energize stakeholders in flood management in Palembang. The second step involves a review of flood management programs to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness in facing the challenges of Palembang"s floods.
