Jakarta. Heavy rain that drenched Jakarta and its surrounding areas throughout Tuesday resulted in widespread flooding across many locations, severely disrupting traffic during the evening commute.

Commuter workers, most of whom rely on motorbikes, were heavily impacted by the flooded roads. The TransJakarta bus system was also forced to limit several routes as a number of its dedicated lanes became impassable due to the high water levels.

Severe traffic congestion paralyzed Jalan Daan Mogot in West Jakarta, a main access route for commuters traveling from Tangerang. Waterlogging reached approximately 30 centimeters, causing numerous motorbikes to stall and bringing traffic to a standstill.

In a particularly alarming incident, a motorbike caught fire when its owner attempted to restart the engine. Gasoline, mixed with water, was forced out of the engine and ignited upon ignition. Police officers on location were able to quickly extinguish the blaze using the floodwater pooling on the road.

City officials attributed the flooding in the area to both the high rainfall intensity and the overflow of the nearby Mookevart River.

According to the Jakarta Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), at least 42 residential areas were affected by the flooding, with the highest concentration in South Jakarta. In some of the worst-hit areas, floodwaters reached heights of up to 90 centimeters.

Agency spokesman Mohammad Yohan said the high rainfall intensity over a long duration was the primary trigger for the flooding. Several of Jakarta's rivers, including Kali Krukut and Kali Sunter, experienced a significant increase in water discharge, leading them to overflow into residential areas. Low-lying regions and settlements situated near riverbanks were the most severely impacted.

The Lubang Buaya sub-district in East Jakarta was identified as the most affected area, where four settlements were submerged by floodwaters reaching 90 centimeters, according to Yohan.

Joint officers from the BPBD, police, and the Jakarta Water Resources Department are currently engaged in efforts to pump out the water using portable pumps, ensuring optimal function of drainage channels, and clearing blocked water passages, Yohan added.

Yohan appealed to the public to heighten their vigilance regarding the potential for subsequent flooding, as the weather in Jakarta and its surroundings still holds the possibility of moderate-to-high intensity rainfall.

Flooding in Neighboring Regions
In the Pondok Aren sub-district, South Tangerang, dozens of motorbikes stalled after riders stubbornly attempted to cross floodwaters approximately 50 centimeters deep on Jalan Ceger Raya. The poor drainage system was cited as the cause for the accumulation of rainwater on the street.

"I tried to push through the flood, but my motorbike broke down instead," said Yunus, a local resident returning from Jakarta.

Flooding was also reported to have struck dozens of residential complexes in Bekasi, east of Jakarta. For example, the Duta Indah Housing Complex in the Pondok Gede sub-district was submerged by floodwaters reaching a depth of a person's waist height.

Residents attempting to enter or exit the complex were forced to wade through the floods, while several vehicles were moved to higher ground.

"The water level is around one meter. Residents who have a second floor have moved upstairs, while many who live in single-story houses have evacuated to relatives' homes," said a resident named Heri. "We are in need of assistance such as rubber boats, medicines, and food. No aid has arrived yet."