New Standardized Flood Control Procedures Set to Protect Sidoarjo Regency from Seasonal Disasters

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FORMOSA NEWS - Sidoarjo - Sidoarjo Regency's battle against recurring seasonal floods has reached a critical turning point with the development of a comprehensive disaster management framework. A research team led by Veronika Nugraheni Sri Lestari from Universitas Dr. Soetomo, alongside Budiyanto and Triyonowati from Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Indonesia, published a pivotal study in the Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in January 2026. Their research introduces a structured Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specifically designed for the Afvoer Pucang region to streamline emergency responses and accelerate post-disaster recovery. These findings are vital because they address the institutional gaps that have historically left Sidoarjo vulnerable to drainage degradation, sediment accumulation, and tidal backflow during every rainy season.

The Growing Urgency for Managed Flood Response

In Eastern Indonesia, the Sidoarjo region faces a predictable but devastating rainy season from October to April. While the Brantas River is a life-sustaining resource for clean water, agriculture, and electricity, its potential for flooding poses a constant threat to urban stability. Rapid population growth and infrastructure development have complicated the local drainage system, which must now navigate a complex web of irrigation channels and dams.

The urgency for this research stems from recent severe flooding in areas like Sidokare and Pucang, where high tides and backwater prevented floodwaters from receding, paralyzing key access routes and residential zones. Researchers identified that while physical infrastructure is necessary, the lack of a unified operational reference often leads to fragmented responses and delayed decision-making. This study fills that void by providing a strategic necessity: a clear, integrated SOP that transforms abstract policy into actionable field guidelines.

A Holistic Approach: Research Methodology

To build a reliable framework, the researchers—Veronika Nugraheni Sri Lestari, Budiyanto, and Triyonowati—utilized a qualitative case study design focused on Sidoarjo Regency. The team gathered data through extensive field observations and interviews with key stakeholders, including:

• Public Works and Water Resources (PUBMSDA) Sidoarjo
• Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of both Sidoarjo Regency and East Java Province
• Brantas River Basin Center (BBWS)

The research team applied the Miles and Huberman paradigm to analyze this data, focusing on reducing complex field notes into organized, verified patterns of action. This methodical approach ensured that the resulting SOP was not just an administrative document, but a practical tool grounded in the lived realities of Sidoarjo's water management agencies.

Key Findings: The Three Pillars of Flood Management

The study reveals that effective flood control in Sidoarjo must operate across three interrelated stages to be successful. The researchers mapped out specific activities and person-in-charge (PIC) roles for each phase:

1. Pre-Flood: Mitigation and Preparedness

This phase shifts the focus from reaction to prevention. Key activities include:

• Channel Normalization: Inspecting and cleaning the Afvoer Pucang channel at least twice a year.
• Early Warning Systems: Continuous monitoring of water discharge and rainfall via CCTV and BMKG data.
• Community Education: Socialization through village meetings and the establishment of "Disaster Resilient Villages".

2. Emergency Response: Active Crisis Management

When flooding occurs, the SOP triggers immediate technical coordination:

• Command Post Activation: Establishing joint posts at the sub-district and village levels.
• Infrastructure Operation: Precise coordination for operating water pumps and sluice gates to reduce discharge.
• Vulnerable Group Rescue: Prioritizing the evacuation of susceptible residents and the delivery of clean water.

3. Post-Disaster: Recovery and Evolution

The final stage ensures the region bounces back quickly and learns from the event:

• Rapid Cleanup: Settlements and drains are targeted for cleaning within seven days of water receding.
• System Audits: A mandatory evaluation and revision of the SOP at the end of every rainy season to improve future performance.

Implications for Policy and Social Resilience

The research emphasizes that "technical capacity alone is insufficient when not supported by a coherent governance framework". By institutionalizing these procedures, Sidoarjo can move away from a reactive model that relies on manual observation and move toward an anticipatory governance model driven by real-time data.

Beyond the technical benefits, the study highlights the social dimension of flood control. Veronika Nugraheni Sri Lestari and her colleagues argue that integrating community-based roles into the SOP—such as local monitoring and early detection—strengthens the legitimacy of risk management and enhances the overall adaptive capacity of the population.

"Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are more than just administrative; they are a tool for keeping an eye on the sustainability and quality of an organization," the authors note, citing the work of Arini T. Soemohadiwidjojo to illustrate that clear procedures prevent the modifications and mistakes that can jeopardize a business or a city's functioning.

Author Profile

Veronika Nugraheni Sri Lestari is a lead researcher at Universitas Dr. Soetomo with expertise in multidisciplinary management and disaster preparedness. She collaborates frequently with regional agencies to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy, focusing on community resilience and sustainable urban infrastructure in Indonesia.

Source Information

Article Title: The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Flood Control in Sidoarjo Regency

Journal Name: Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (FJMR)

Publication Year: 2026

DOI/URL: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v5i1.692