Ecological Issue Not Main Cause Of Flood

Jakarta, Jan 20 (Antara) - Sociologist from the National University Nia Elvina, M.Si is of the opinion that the cause of flood especially in cities like Jakarta is not just an ecological issue. "Because if we examine this, the flood problem is similar to economic crisis often caused by human action, more aptly, because of greedy human action and a need for continuous gain," Nia explained here Monday. Nia does not agree with the view expressed by Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo that the Jakarta floods are due to ecological problems caused by the city`s buffer zones, especially Bogor. "I think that is not quite right, because the cause of the flooding is not purely natural factors. Jakarta flood problem is much to do with human problems, policies that favor the interests of a greedy man," Nia pointed out. Referring to data from Jakarta`s Department of Transportation and Public Works, he stated that toll roads expansion permit has increased in locations that are actually water shed areas. Sometimes the expansion has even taken over the city park areas as well. Furthermore, the property business development licensing has not take into consideration the water shed areas. "So I guess Jakarta flood problem is more on the issue of regulating greedy human actions," Nia reiterated. So as long as the measures taken by the Jakarta Governor tend to favor the development of human greed, the flood problem will not be solved, Nia added. "I think the Jakarta Governor should be ready to lead, eliminating the negative tendencies that have been developed in the community. Although, the governor is covering behind his mawkish image of a village man now, the policies taken by him tends to be bourgeois," he pointed out. Nia also added that there has been no progressive policy to defend the lower class interests or the Jakarta community at large.