Since March 2, 2025, the Jabodetabek metropolitan area—comprising Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi—has been grappling with severe flooding triggered by relentless rainfall and critical infrastructure failures. As of March 11, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reports that 11,575 residents have been displaced, while 4,681 homes remain submerged, with floodwaters reaching depths of up to 2.5 meters in parts of South Jakarta. The crisis, exacerbated by breached embankments along the Ciliwung, Cileungsi, and Cikeas rivers, has paralyzed communities, disrupted livelihoods, and exposed systemic vulnerabilities in urban planning. 

The Trigger: Environmental and Structural Failures 

The disaster was set in motion by torrential rainfall on March 2–3, which overwhelmed aging drainage systems and compromised water-absorbing infrastructure. Embankment collapses in multiple locations led to rapid river swelling and severe inundation of residential areas, particularly in Bintaro, Cawang, Kampung Melayu, and Cisarua. 

BPBD West Java confirmed that 575 residents of Kampung Pensunan, Cisarua, were evacuated after the Ciliwung River overflowed. While some floodwaters in South Jakarta have started to recede, authorities warn that persistent high-intensity rains through mid-March may exacerbate the situation. 

Jabodetabek has long been prone to seasonal flooding, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, poor drainage infrastructure, and diminishing green spaces. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying extreme weather patterns, making flooding events more frequent and severe. Without significant investment in flood mitigation and sustainable urban planning, these disasters will continue to devastate communities year after year. 

Relief Efforts: Government and Grassroots Mobilization 

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and local emergency response teams have been working around the clock to evacuate residents and clear debris. However, narrow access roads, abandoned vehicles, and ongoing rainfall have significantly hampered operations. In Cisarua, Bogor, volunteers resorted to using makeshift boats to rescue stranded families, while temporary shelters struggled to accommodate the growing number of displaced individuals. 

DMC Dompet Dhuafa’s Critical Role 

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Dompet Dhuafa has emerged as a key player in the humanitarian response, spearheading emergency interventions across affected areas: 

• Evacuation and Shelter: Hundreds of vulnerable individuals—children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—have been safely evacuated to emergency shelters. 

• Essential Supplies Distribution: Over 3,000 families have received food packages, blankets, and hygiene kits, with a focus on sahur (pre-dawn meals) and iftar (breaking fast) support during Ramadan. 

• Warm Posts and Communal Kitchens: Fifteen “pos hangat” (warm posts) have been established to provide hot meals, medical aid, and psychosocial support. 

• Public Facility Restoration: Cleanup efforts are underway to remove mud and debris from schools, mosques, and health centers. 

Urgent Needs and How to Help 

With floodwaters persisting, displaced families face mounting hardships, including: 

• Food and clean water to support Ramadan observances. 

• Hygiene kits, medicine, and blankets to prevent health crises. 

• Tarps and clothing to replace waterlogged belongings. 

Dompet Dhuafa USA is calling on our donors to contribute to support ongoing relief efforts. Donations will directly support: 

• Emergency aid packages for affected families. 

• Reconstruction of damaged homes and public facilities. 

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/ReliefDDUSA