Jakarta — Widespread flooding continues to affect several provinces across Indonesia, with both urban and rural communities dealing with submerged homes, damaged infrastructure, and displaced residents. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported ongoing hydrometeorological disasters on Wednesday, May 28, as heavy rains persist despite the early onset of the dry season.
In Samarinda, East Kalimantan, floodwaters inundated 17 locations throughout the city on Tuesday, with water levels ranging from 10 to 60 centimetres. The flooding affected residential areas, schools, and hospitals. Strong winds and heavy downpours also toppled trees and triggered landslides in several parts of the city, further complicating response efforts. Local authorities are continuing to monitor weather developments and assess damage across the affected zones.
Further south in Donggala, Central Sulawesi, a flash flood struck Wombo Kalonggo Village in Tanantovea District on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. local time. Triggered by intense rainfall and rising river levels, the flood swept away homes and infrastructure, leaving two people missing, one injured, and forcing 100 families to evacuate. Initial assessments revealed that 50 houses were damaged, a bridge was destroyed, and four educational facilities were affected. Although water levels receded by Wednesday, three connecting roads between villages remained cut off, and residents began cleaning thick layers of mud left behind by the flood.
In Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, floodwaters had not yet receded by Tuesday night, following heavy rainfall earlier that morning. The flood affected two villages in Segah District, damaging seven homes and 17 public facilities, with assessments still underway by the local disaster agency (BPBD).
In Cilacap Regency, Central Java, flood conditions that began on May 24 have yet to subside. Water remains pooled in residential areas and along roads, while rice fields have been submerged under 50 to 120 centimetres of water. The flooding, which affected 153 households (approximately 428 people) in Sidamulya Village, Wanareja District, has been exacerbated by high water levels in the Citanduy and Cikawung rivers. BPBD officials are closely monitoring the situation and river flows.
In South Sulawesi, long-lasting flooding persists in Luwu Regency, where waters have not fully receded since May 17. The disaster affected 405 households across two villages — Riwang in Larompong District and Dadeko in Larompong Selatan. Although there have been no reported fatalities, local disaster response teams remain on standby in case of further flooding.
BNPB has warned that, despite Indonesia entering its early dry season, the influence of regional climate patterns, such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation and atmospheric waves, continues to bring moderate to heavy rainfall and strong winds to several areas.
“We urge local governments and the public to stay alert, follow daily weather forecasts, and be prepared for potential flooding and landslides,” said Abdul Muhari, Ph.D., Head of BNPB’s Data, Information and Disaster Communication Center.
BNPB continues to coordinate with local disaster agencies nationwide to ensure a rapid response, support evacuation efforts, and deliver necessary aid to affected communities.
Banner photo: The flood that inundated Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, on Tuesday (27/5). (Photo source: BPBD Samarinda City)
