The first day of Eid al-Fitr brought an unwelcome reality for residents of Ciracas, East Jakarta, as flooding inundated homes across nine neighborhoods. The deluge, triggered by the overflowing Kali Cipinang river, has disrupted celebrations and forced many to seek refuge. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges of urban flooding in Jakarta, particularly during the rainy season.
Heavy rainfall beginning Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026, overwhelmed the Kali Cipinang, leading to widespread inundation in Ciracas. The flooding isn’t typical, according to local officials, with water levels remaining stubbornly high for over three hours, reaching a peak of 1.7 meters in some areas, including Cibubur. The timing of the disaster has added a layer of distress to the holiday, impacting families and disrupting traditional Eid festivities.
Banjir Rendam Sembilan RW di Ciracas
Camat Ciracas, Panangaran Ritonga, explained that the flooding was a result of both intense local rainfall and a significant influx of water from upstream areas in Cimanggis, Depok. “The rain started in the afternoon. The volume of water from upstream in the Cimanggis area, Depok, was quite large, causing the Cipinang River to overflow,” Ritonga stated, as reported by Antara News. Water began to overflow around 6:30 PM on Saturday, and unlike typical flooding events that subside within two hours, the water remained at high levels until 10:00 PM.
Emergency responders from the East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department worked to evacuate vulnerable residents, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly, to safer locations. As of Sunday, March 22, 2026, water levels remained high in several areas, impacting residents in RW 03 to RW 05 of Ciracas district. Although some residents have begun the arduous task of cleaning up mud and debris, others remain displaced.
Disrupted Celebrations and Community Resilience
The flooding has significantly impacted the ability of residents to participate in traditional Eid celebrations. Feri (51), a resident of Ciracas, shared that his plans for visiting family and paying respects at gravesites were cancelled due to the floodwaters. “Usually on the second day of Eid, I would visit my father’s house, uncles and aunts, go around, and pay respects at the cemetery. But today, it’s impossible. I’ve had to trade my Eid clothes for worn-out clothes to deal with the mud and sand,” he said, according to reporting from Merdeka.com.
Another resident, Slamet (62), described a scene of panic as floodwaters rapidly rose, inundating homes and even causing prepared Eid delicacies to float away. “All the mattresses were soaked. The Eid cakes were all floating,” he recounted. Slamet and his family were forced to evacuate to a local mosque, joining others displaced by the disaster. He emphasized that this year’s flooding was the worst he has ever experienced in the area.
The situation highlights the urgent require for improved flood mitigation measures in Ciracas. Slamet expressed hope that the government will seize steps to strengthen and elevate the riverbanks to prevent future overflows. “The hope is for a collaborative effort to manage the river, raise the banks, so that the river water doesn’t spill over,” he stated.
As of Sunday afternoon, water levels ranged from 20 to 80 centimeters in affected areas, with some signs of receding. However, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant for potential further flooding, given the continued possibility of rainfall. The Jakarta Timur region remains on alert as the situation unfolds.
The coming days will be critical as residents start the long process of recovery and assess the full extent of the damage. Continued monitoring of rainfall and river levels will be essential to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of the community. The focus now shifts to providing support to those affected and implementing long-term solutions to mitigate the risk of future flooding in Ciracas.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s maintain the conversation going and support those affected by the flooding.
