RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Recent flooding across Tangerang City and Tangerang Regency in Banten has been attributed to the dramatic narrowing of the Cirarap River, which has shrunk from its original width of 15 meters to just eight meters. This constriction, combined with significant sedimentation, has caused the river to overflow rapidly during periods of extreme rainfall.

"The Cirarap River will undergo normalization. We are seeing extraordinary narrowing and shallowing. It has gone from 15 meters wide down to just three to eight meters," remarked Tangerang Mayor Sachrudin on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Sachrudin explained that if the Cirarap River were at its optimal width, the flow of the Ledug River would likely remain unobstructed, significantly minimizing floods in the Periuk Subdistrict. 

Direct field observations indicate that the narrowing was caused by the proliferation of unauthorized structures along the riverbanks. The city administration is currently mapping the area to facilitate land acquisition.

"We are currently in the process of land acquisition. Some plots have been cleared, but others are still pending. We have allocated the budget for this year," he added.

The Mayor noted that the majority of the structures encroaching on the river are residential complexes. These buildings are slated for potential demolition following a legal review. 

"They may be dismantled. However, we will assess their legal rights first. Rightful owners will be compensated, while those without legal standing will face immediate execution of the order," emphasized Sachrudin.

Meanwhile, Tangerang Regent Maesyal Rasyid echoed this sentiment, confirming that high rainfall and runoff from Bogor were not the sole causes of the floods. Instead, the disaster was driven by the Cirarap River overflowing directly into residential areas.

"Unfortunately, residents along the Cirarap flow in Tangerang Regency, such as in Kronjo, have been severely affected. There are approximately 1,200 impacted families," said Maesyal.

Maesyal further noted that the issue has been reported to the Governor of Banten, Andra Soni. He clarified that the management of the river falls outside the Regency's jurisdiction and lies under the authority of the River Basin Territory Office (BBWS).

"I have reported to the Governor that this falls under the authority of the BBWS. This includes potential coordination with the Public Works Ministry to work alongside the BBWS in addressing the flood crisis in Banten," he concluded. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)