Gunungkidul implements flood mitigation and river dredging

Authorities in Gunungkidul, Indonesia, are proposing the dredging of 20 river locations to reduce sedimentation and mitigate flood risks during the rainy season. The Department of Public Works, Housing, and Settlement Areas (DPUPRKP) has identified priority areas in the Semin, Ngawen, Nglipar, Wonosari, and Playen districts, including the Besole and Kepek rivers. Due to budget constraints, officials will conduct field reviews to determine which sites require immediate intervention.

In the Plembutan village of Playen, local authorities have developed the Early Warning Response Action (AMPD) program following significant flooding in 2017 and 2025. This mitigation initiative, supported by agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and regional disaster management offices, aims to enable residents to take anticipatory steps before floodwaters threaten homes and safety. The program's success has drawn interest from representatives of 11 ASEAN member states.