Flooding isn’t a Problem: Jakarta Residents Fish for Giant Catfish
Fundacion Rapala – Flooding hit parts of Jakarta again, but one local resident turned the situation into something unexpected. Instead of panicking, a man took out his fishing rod and managed to catch a giant catfish right on the street. The viral moment, captured in a short video, showcases the unique way Jakartans cope with floods.
The man was seen calmly standing in murky water. Holding a simple rod, he pulled out the huge fish while smiling. Nearby residents watched in disbelief. This moment, both bizarre and impressive, spread quickly across social media platforms.
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Jakarta Flooding Turns into Fishing Spot
Jakarta faced heavy flooding in early March 2025. Torrential rain caused rivers to overflow, submerging areas in North and West Jakarta. More than 90,000 residents were affected, according to disaster management reports.
While floodwaters caused major disruptions, the catfish incident brought brief humor to the chaos. Many shared the video with captions like “only in Jakarta.” Others used it to highlight the growing water crisis in the city.
Fish on the Streets? Here’s Why
How did a giant catfish end up in a neighborhood? Floods often cause rivers to spill into urban areas. Fish escape into drains and side streets. Jakarta’s poor waste management and clogged canals make things worse.
During the 2025 floods, residents of Penjaringan and Pluit reported spotting fish swimming between homes. This isn’t new. In past years, people also fished during floods. It’s an odd effect of water disasters in dense urban zones.
Humor with a Hidden Warning
While the video sparked laughter, it also raised serious concerns. Jakarta faces routine floods. Infrastructure hasn’t kept up with urban growth. Sinking land and poor drainage add to the problem.
Experts warn that the city must act quickly. Floods threaten homes, schools, and livelihoods. Waterborne diseases are rising. Safety is at risk. Even though the catfish story was amusing, the problem is deeply rooted and ongoing.
Jakartans Stay Creative
Jakarta residents show amazing resilience. Many live with flooding every year. Instead of giving up, they adapt. Some build raised homes. Others use buckets as boats. Stories like this catfish moment highlight that resourcefulness.
People keep going, even when things get hard. They joke, fish, and help each other. It’s how communities survive — by staying hopeful. Even if their feet are underwater, their spirits remain high.
Hope for Real Solutions
City officials promise change. Projects like river dredging and better drainage are in progress. The government aims to reduce floods through massive infrastructure improvements. But time is critical.
Residents must also help. Keeping streets clean and drains clear can lower risks. Public education about waste and water use is important. With teamwork, Jakarta can reduce its flooding problems — not just laugh at them.
A giant catfish, a fishing rod, and a flooded street created a moment the internet won’t forget. It’s a reminder of Jakarta’s flooding crisis. But more importantly, it shows how people face hardship with humor and grit.
Fixing Jakarta’s floods will take more than viral videos. It needs smart planning, community effort, and strong leadership. Until then, perhaps another catfish will swim by — and someone will be ready to fish it out.