Sailing aboard a rubber boat in the Ciliwung river, the head of state greeted the flood victims looking on from the banks.
He was accompanied by a number of ministers, including Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, and National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo.
The presidential entourage stopped by at a refugee camp in Kalibata, where the President was joined by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono before the two started talking with the flood victims. The First Lady, however, did not accompany the President as he returned to the rubber boat.
Office and daily activities in Jakarta were almost completely paralyzed on Thursday as floodwaters hit the capital city and inundated its roads following incessant heavy rains.
Traffic jams were seen in various parts of the city as vehicles struggled to move on the flooded roads. Many two-wheelers faced engine trouble and had to be pushed along.
One of the main roads of the city, Jalan Thamrin, was severely flooded, while many other roads in Central Jakarta, including the National Monument (Monas) square, were also submerged. People employed at offices along these roads found it hard to reach their workplaces.
The presidential palace, the vice president`s palace and the Jakarta Governor`s office were flooded as well.
Earlier, the President had instructed the National Police and the Indonesian Military to assist in the evacuation of flood victims.
(F001/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
