Jakarta Floods Displace Over 1,600 as Heavy Rains Persist

Introduction

Heavy rainfall has triggered significant flooding across Jakarta, Indonesia, since January 22, 2026, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents and prompting extensive relief operations by government agencies.

Impact and Displacement

The floods have affected at least 20 urban villages across six sub-districts in the capital. As of Sunday, January 25, a total of 1,623 people from 585 families have been forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters. These shelters include mosques, community halls, elementary schools, and office facilities. Earlier reports on Friday, January 23, indicated that 1,349 residents had been displaced.

Affected areas include parts of East Jakarta, such as Bidara Cina, Kampung Melayu, and Cawang, where water levels reached up to 2.5 meters in some locations. In West Jakarta, areas like Rawa Buaya and Cengkareng experienced inundation, with flood depths ranging from 30 to 70 centimeters. North Jakarta's Kapuk Muara also saw floodwaters up to 80 centimeters.

Causes and Ongoing Weather Warnings

The widespread flooding is primarily attributed to intense rainfall and the subsequent overflow of major rivers. The Ciliwung River has overflowed, impacting areas in East Jakarta. In West Jakarta, the Mookevart canal and the Angke and Pesanggrahan Rivers have contributed to the inundation. Additionally, factors such as sediment buildup and illegal structures narrowing river channels, like the Cakung Lama River, exacerbate the flood situation.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to persist across the Greater Jakarta area throughout the coming week. This weather pattern is influenced by a strengthened Asian Monsoon and a cold surge from mainland Asia.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

The Indonesian government, through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), has mobilized extensive resources for flood response and relief efforts. Personnel have been deployed to monitor flood conditions, pump out floodwaters, and ensure the proper functioning of drainage channels.

Basic needs for evacuees, including

• ready-to-eat meals
• clean water
• clothing
• sanitation services

are being provided at the temporary shelters. The Jakarta provincial government has also urged companies to implement flexible work and work-from-home policies to mitigate the impact of the widespread flooding.

Conclusion

While floodwaters began to recede in several areas by Sunday morning, January 25, at least 14 neighborhoods in East and North Jakarta remained inundated with water levels between 30 and 80 centimeters. Authorities continue to coordinate efforts to manage the ongoing situation and assist affected communities.