Over 100 flood-prone points identified; developers warned over poor drainage and unstudied land use
Heavy rain and strong winds on May 5, 2025 left major roads and housing estates in Batam submerged, reigniting debate on environmental mismanagement. Officials are now calling out developers and landholders for ignoring drainage systems and environmental assessments.
Amsakar Achmad, Head of BP Batam and Mayor of Batam, attributed the city’s recurring floods to unregulated land development. Speaking in Batam Center on May 6, he cited practices like hill cutting and water reservoir closures as destructive land use without environmental impact assessments (EIA).
“What we’re discussing now in BP Batam is how to curb unstudied land use. If land is allocated, it must align with EIA standards,” he stated.
103 Flood Hotspots Still Unresolved
Deputy Mayor Li Claudia Chandra, who also serves as Deputy Head of BP Batam, revealed there are 103 active flood-prone zones across the city. In a direct inspection and social media post, she pledged firm action against negligent landholders and developers.
“If they ignore drainage systems and environmental balance, we will not hesitate to review or revoke land allocation permits,” she said, underscoring that public safety overrides private development ambitions.
Residents Struggle as Floodwaters Rise
Residents like Oktavia, an employee in Executive Batam Center, described being stranded at work due to thigh-high floodwaters. The worst flooding reportedly hit Marbella Housing, Villa Pesona Asri, and roads like Raja Haji Fisabilillah and Raja Isa.
“Leaving the office was impossible. The entrance to the industrial area was flooded. I had to wait out the water,” Oktavia shared, reflecting growing public frustration with the city’s inadequate flood response.
Drainage Ignored by Developers
Li Claudia criticized developers for building properties without adequate drainage systems, which she likened to forcing rainwater to “staycation on the road.” She emphasized that development must consider water flow, waste management, and long-term impacts on nearby residents.
“Too many landholders build, profit, and walk away—leaving locals to drown in their negligence,” she said. The city government now warns that non-compliant projects risk permit withdrawal.
The city administration is ramping up efforts to resolve the issue through drainage improvements, waterway normalization, and tighter enforcement of zoning laws. At the same time, they urge citizens to refrain from littering in waterways, which further worsens flooding.
Claudia also acknowledged developers who have responsibly installed drainage infrastructure, calling the flood crisis a shared responsibility requiring collaboration and sustained action.
The recurring floods in Batam highlight a deeper crisis of unplanned urban expansion and weak environmental compliance. With over a hundred danger zones and mounting public pressure, the city leadership is now demanding accountability—warning that future development in Batam must no longer come at the expense of its residents’ safety.
Sources: Kompas (2025), Batam News (2025), Kutipan.co (2025)
Keywords: Batam Flooding, Land Mismanagement Batam, Drainage Failure, BP Batam Warning, Flood Hotspots Batam
