A critical connecting road linking Semarang to Purwodadi, specifically in Tinanding Village, Godong District, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, has been rendered completely impassable following a severe breach in the Tuntang River dike. The catastrophic event caused a substantial portion of the road, spanning approximately 50 meters, to vanish entirely.
Henggar Budi Anggoro, Head of the Public Works, Water Resources, and Spatial Planning Agency (Pusdataru) of Central Java, emphasized the severity of the damage. He stated that the road suffered extensive destruction as the powerful river currents directly impacted and eroded the road structure.
“The provincial road connecting Semarang to Godong, a vital segment of the Semarang-Purwodadi route, has been cut for approximately 50 meters. Its condition is dire; the road has disappeared, with concrete peeling off and being swept away by the current. The dike breach also extends for about 50 meters, allowing the relentless water flow to directly batter the road,” Henggar informed reporters on Tuesday, February 17th.
To address the immediate crisis, Henggar detailed the initial recovery plan. His agency intends to backfill the affected area and install Aramco-type steel pipe culverts to swiftly restore functionality to the vital transportation link. This emergency measure aims to provide a temporary solution for the damaged section.
He further clarified the immediate impact: “For now, the route is completely impassable because three concrete segments of the road have been lost. Today, we are dispatching Aramco pipes from Pati to the site to begin preliminary work.”
Meanwhile, the responsibility for repairing the breached dike falls under the purview of the Pemali Juana River Basin Organization (BBWS). Their immediate intervention is crucial for stabilizing the water flow and preventing further erosion.
“Our target is to commence road repairs immediately after the dike is fully mended,” Henggar affirmed, highlighting the coordinated effort required for a comprehensive solution.
Adding to the urgency, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has set an ambitious target for the installation of the Aramco-style bridge or culvert. He expects its completion within a maximum of one week. The Governor underscored the critical importance of this route, noting its dual function as a primary artery for logistics distribution and a key pathway for Lebaran homecoming travelers.
“We aim to normalize the route for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic within three days, or a maximum of one week,” Governor Luthfi asserted, stressing the rapid response needed to alleviate disruption.
Looking towards a sustainable, long-term solution, Governor Luthfi announced plans to propose the normalization of the Tuntang River to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR). This initiative falls under the authority of the central government, exercised through the BBWS.
“The sediment levels in the Tuntang River are exceedingly high. I will propose this to the ministry, as it is within the BBWS’s jurisdiction. At a minimum, river normalization is imperative,” Governor Luthfi concluded, emphasizing the need for comprehensive environmental management to prevent future occurrences.
Summary
A critical 50-meter section of the Semarang-Purwodadi road in Grobogan, Central Java, has become completely impassable following a severe breach in the Tuntang River dike, causing the road structure to vanish. The Public Works, Water Resources, and Spatial Planning Agency (Pusdataru) of Central Java is initiating immediate repairs by backfilling the area and installing Aramco-type steel pipe culverts for temporary restoration. Concurrently, the Pemali Juana River Basin Organization (BBWS) is responsible for mending the breached dike to stabilize water flow.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has set an ambitious target of one week, ideally three days, for the Aramco culvert’s completion to normalize the route for logistics and Lebaran travelers. Looking ahead, the Governor announced plans to propose the normalization of the Tuntang River to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR). This long-term solution aims to address high sediment levels and prevent future occurrences under the BBWS’s jurisdiction.