Investigation deepens as Batam residents fear flooding from blocked Baloi River drainage flow
The Baloi River in Batam is at the center of environmental and legal scrutiny, as residents and authorities confront the risks of a controversial landfilling project that may increase flood threats in residential areas.
Reports of illegal landfilling in the Baloi River area, Lubukbaja District, have triggered investigations by the Riau Islands Police. Residents and environmental advocates fear that blocking the river’s natural flow could lead to severe flooding and ecological damage in the city.
The case surrounding the alleged filling of the Baloi River has intensified as police summoned witnesses and officials this week. The Riau Islands Police began a series of interviews on April 8 to determine who authorized the activities that altered a critical section of Batam’s water system.
Residents of Kezia Baloi Indah, particularly those near RT05/RW08, voiced concerns that the blocked river could lead to flooding, especially during heavy rains. According to local chairman Ade, the riverbed alteration has already caused anxiety among families who worry their homes may soon be inundated.
Law enforcement has taken direct action, halting all construction at the site. Police teams have also measured the river’s original dimensions as part of their evidence gathering. The area is now sealed off with warning signs, barring any activity while the legal process unfolds.
Earlier, heavy equipment belonging to Batam’s Department of Public Works and Water Resources (DBMSDA) was seen at the site but has since been withdrawn. According to residents, it remains unclear which entity ordered or permitted the landfilling, further fueling their frustration.
On April 8, Batam Deputy Mayor and BP Batam Vice Head Li Claudia Chandra visited the site with Mayor Amsakar Achmad and other senior officials. She stated the area could eventually be transformed into a green open space (RTH), but acknowledged that any restoration plan must not interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Li Claudia emphasized that parts of the previously filled area had already been cleaned and deconstructed by nearby developers. She expressed the city’s readiness to coordinate with police to ensure any planned restoration aligns with legal requirements and environmental safety.
Despite the city’s future vision for an urban park, residents remain skeptical. Many continue to demand the river be fully restored to its natural state before the peak of rainy season worsens. The fear of backflow, especially during high tides, remains a pressing issue.
Police investigator AKBP Zamrul Aini assured the public that the investigation will be comprehensive and transparent. The police are currently examining procedural irregularities and determining whether any state or private actors are liable for the environmental disruption.
The Baloi River case highlights the growing tension between urban development and environmental preservation in Batam. As the legal process unfolds, the region’s urban planners and enforcement agencies must collaborate to ensure safety and sustainability are not compromised. The case may also serve as a model for ASEAN cities balancing development with climate resilience, especially as weather patterns become more unpredictable.
Sources: Jawa Pos (2025), Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Baloi River, Batam Environment, River Filling, Landfill Investigation, Urban Flooding, Public Concern, Legal Action
