Bekasi Flooding: Understanding the Root of the Problem and Systemic Solutions

In early March 2025, the Bekasi area was again hit by severe flooding due to heavy rain that had been falling since Monday night, March 3, 2025 (Reuters, 2025). The floods in Bekasi caused thousands of residents to evacuate, submerged hundreds of houses, and paralyzed various public facilities, including hospitals and shopping centers. The water level in some locations even reached 3 meters, forcing the evacuation of patients in hospitals and closing the operations of malls and train stations. (Detikcom, 2025)

This phenomenon is not just a problem of high rainfall, but also the result of various interrelated systemic factors. From water management to land use change, there are many aspects that need to be improved so that this problem does not recur.

Factors Causing Flooding in Bekasi

• Uncontrolled Urbanization

Rapid population growth in Bekasi has encouraged the expansion of settlements and industrial areas without adequate drainage planning. As a result, many water catchment areas have been reduced, increasing the risk of flooding.

• Inadequate Drainage System

The drainage system in Bekasi has not been able to accommodate the increase in water discharge during the rainy season. Many drains are clogged with garbage or sedimentation, resulting in low effectiveness in draining rainwater.

• River Narrowing and Pollution

Rivers in Bekasi, such as the Bekasi River, have narrowed due to sedimentation and the conversion of riverbanks into residential areas. Water pollution from domestic and industrial waste also worsens the condition of the river, reducing its capacity to hold rainwater.

• Climate Change and Weather Anomalies

In addition, changes in rainfall patterns due to the climate crisis play a role in increasing the risk of flooding in Bekasi. The intensity of extreme rainfall in the Greater Jakarta area has increased in recent times, exacerbated by weather phenomena such as La Niña.

Flood Impacts: From Social to Economic

The flooding in Bekasi not only caused material losses, but also disrupted economic and social activities. Thousands of homes were submerged, forcing residents to evacuate and increasing the risk of water-borne diseases. The industrial sector was also affected, with logistics mobility and production activities hampered, which had a direct impact on the city’s economy.

This condition reflects the need for a systemic approach to city management, one of which is through the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Without policies that consider the balance between economic development, environmental governance, and social welfare, rapid urbanization will continue to worsen environmental conditions. ESG principles can serve as a foundation for designing more sustainable policies, including flood mitigation, water management, and climate change adaptive urban planning.

ESG and its Implementation in Bekasi City Governance

ESG is a principle that prioritizes sustainability in environmental, social, and governance aspects in business and government management. The implementation of ESG in city governance can play a major role in overcoming flooding systemically and increasing the value of the city function itself.

How is ESG Implemented in City Planning?

In general, ESG maps functions with a sustainability orientation, therefore the handling carried out is not limited to current problem-solving steps, but also preventive steps for future plans.

1. Environmental
   • Revitalization of green open spaces (RTH) as water catchment areas.
     Improvement of the city’s waste management and drainage systems.
     Use of green infrastructure such as infiltration wells and water parks to manage rain runoff.
2. Social
   • Community education on waste management and its impact on flooding.
   • Community empowerment programs in environmental management.
   • Relocation of residents from flood-prone areas to safer and more sustainable housing.
3. Governance
   
   • Strengthening regulations related to spatial planning and sustainable urban development.
   • Collaboration with the private sector to build green infrastructure.
   • Implementation of incentives for companies that implement environmentally friendly policies.

Systemic Solutions for Flood Mitigation

To tackle flooding with a long-term projection, a systemic approach involving various stakeholders is needed. Some strategies that can be implemented include:

• Green Open Space Restoration

Local governments need to restore the function of green open spaces so that they can absorb rainwater more effectively. Large cities such as Singapore have implemented a “sponge city” policy that utilizes urban parks for natural water management.

• Drainage Revitalization and River Normalization

Regular cleaning of drainage channels as well as the Bekasi River normalization project must continue to increase water storage capacity. The use of sustainable drainage technologies, such as infiltration wells and biopores, can also help reduce flood risk.

• Strengthening City Planning Regulations and Controlling Urbanization

The development of industrial and residential areas must consider environmental aspects by ensuring sufficient water catchment zones. Stricter regulations are needed to control land conversion in flood-prone areas.

• Changes in Community Behavior

Education on waste management and the community’s role in flood mitigation is essential. Public campaigns through awareness raising can encourage changes in people’s behavior in keeping rivers clean and reducing the use of plastic can help reduce drainage blockages.

Building a City that is More Resilient to Floods

Flooding in Bekasi is a complex problem that requires a system-based solution. With an approach that integrates urban planning, environmental policies, and active community participation, flood risks can be minimized.

As part of the effort to build positive impact, Maxima Impact Consulting has experience in designing policy solutions, advocacy, and strategies to change social behavior to create systemic change. Let’s create a more resilient and sustainable city together!