J Jakarta, Indonesia – Days of relentless torrential rainfall have triggered severe flooding across multiple regions of Indonesia, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread destruction. Major rivers, including the Ciliwung and Musi, have burst their banks, submerging residential neighbourhoods, business districts, and vital infrastructure. In several areas, entire villages have been cut off from road access, forcing emergency crews to use boats to rescue stranded families and deliver essential supplies.
At least 12 provinces have been affected, with Jakarta, West Java, and South Sumatra among the hardest hit. Schools, government offices, and businesses have been forced to close as floodwaters continue to rise, disrupting daily life for millions. Hospitals are operating at full capacity, treating injuries, waterborne illnesses, and other urgent medical needs of displaced residents, while health officials monitor the risk of disease outbreaks.
The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has declared a state of emergency, deployed rescue personnel and establishing temporary shelters to provide food, clean water, blankets, and medical assistance. Many residents have described the flooding as “unprecedented,” with families losing homes, vehicles, and personal belongings within hours, leaving communities struggling to recover.
International aid organisations, including the Red Cross and UNICEF, are working closely with Indonesian authorities to support relief efforts and have warned of potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases caused by contaminated floodwaters. Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore have pledged emergency supplies and technical support to assist with ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
President Joko Widodo has urged residents to remain calm and avoid travel in affected areas, while meteorologists warn that further heavy rainfall could worsen flooding and trigger landslides. As rescue operations continue, authorities are also focusing on long-term strategies to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience, highlighting Indonesia’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events across the archipelago.
