english.jpnn.com, BANTEN - President Joko Widodo has revealed that the recent floods in Kalimantan was caused by damaged rain catchments.
"Yes, it's because of the damage to the catchment areas, which have been around for decades. That's what we have to stop from happening," said Jokowi after inaugurating the Serang-Panimbang toll road in Banten, Tuesday (16/11).
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According to Jokowi, the water of the Kapuas River in West Kalimantan was overflowing because the rain catchments were damaged. He ensured that the government would focus on improving those areas.
Jokowi further said that starting next year, the government would repair the damaged rain catchments.
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"There will be nurseries, then there will be reforestation in upstream areas. We will repair the catchment areas," he said.
In addition to the damaged catchments, said Jokowi, another cause of flooding was the extreme and unusual rainfall on the island of Borneo.
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Since three weeks ago, Sintang regency in West Kalimantan has been hit by flash floods. (antara/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Jokowi Ungkap Penyebab Banjir di Sintang, Ternyata