The South Jakarta Water Management Agency is currently completing a heart-shape artificial lake by Jl. Aselih in Cipedak, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, to save the area from flooding.

The agency's head Holi Susanto said the lake had actually been in place for a long time.

“By structuring the embung [artificial lake] properly, it is expected that it can store the water of the Krukut River, which becomes high and causes runoff during heavy rain,” Holi said on Thursday, as quoted by kompas.com.

“If we look at the embung from above, it forms a heart shape. Nature has made it. We placed sheet piles so that the shape would be clearly seen,” he added.

Holi said the topography of Jl. Aselih and its surroundings were considered low, resulting in the area of the RT 12 neighborhood unit, RW 01 community unit, in Cipedak usually being flooded during heavy rain.

The artificial lake in Jagakarasa has not functioned for a long time because of the garbage that clogs its water flow.

Holi added that the lake, which would be named Embung Cinta Aselih (Aselih Love Lake), would also be complemented with a park and jogging track.

The lake is 3,695 square meters in area with a capacity of 16,000 cubic meters of water.

The agency started work on Sept. 13 and wants to finish the project on Dec.15. (sau)