Serang, Banten, Dec. 25 -- The Banten provincial government plans to normalize several rivers in 2026 with an estimated budget of Rp821 billion (about US$48.9 million) to support flood control efforts and strengthen river functions in flood-prone areas.

The plan was discussed at a flood management meeting in Serang on December 24, involving district administrations, the Cidanau-Ciujung-Cidurian River Basin Authority (BBWS C3), the Banten Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and representatives of Padarincang residents.

Banten Governor Andra Soni said the proposal is an integrated, cross-river plan and should not be viewed solely in terms of its budget size.

"The focus is not on the amount. Look at the sources. It covers sever...