Kaligawe Traders Suffer Losses Due to Floods that Hampered Activities for Two Weeks

DEVI ITSNAINI NUR ANGGEANI (30802300045)

Semarang, November 8, 2025 - Heavy rainfall that hit the Kaligawe area, Gayamsari District, Semarang, from October 22 to November 2, 2025, caused two waves of flooding that disrupted residents' activities, especially those of small traders. The prolonged flooding caused many business owners to lose income and had to stop trading for days.

For small traders, the economic impact was severe. Mrs. Rifka, a seller of wet cakes and rice near the bus stop, said she had to stop selling altogether because her place was flooded.

"I couldn't sell for about ten days," she said. "When the first flood receded on October 28, I managed to reopen, but suddenly it rained again and many of my goods were wet and unsellable."

She estimated that she lost about 70 percent of her usual income and added that other vendors who usually entrusted their goods to her were also unable to sell, resulting in a loss of income.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Kanti, a food vendor in an alley near the boarding house of several students studying at Sultan Agung Islamic University of Semarang, actually experienced an increase in sales during the flood. This was because many students were unable to go out to find food and ended up buying food from her.

"Even though the side dishes were only eggs and chili sauce, they still wanted to buy," she said. "My husband helped deliver the orders on foot through the flood."

These two vendors show two different sides of the economic impact of the floods in Kaligawe. On the one hand, many vendors suffered losses because their stalls were submerged in water. However, on the other hand, a small number of vendors located in strategic locations actually got more buyers. However, both agreed that the local government's response was still slow. According to them, the damaged water pumps caused the water to recede slowly and slowed down the economic activities of the residents.

"If the pumps had been working from the start, maybe we could have reopened quickly," said Mrs. Rifka. "We hope the local government can be more responsive in facing the next rainy season," said Mrs. Kanti.

In addition, the vendors also pointed out that assistance such as public kitchens and emergency facilities only arrived more than a week after the flooding occurred. Many residents felt that the local government only moved quickly after Vice President Gibran came to inspect the location.

For small traders in Kaligawe, this year's flooding serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of the small-scale economy. They hope the local government can improve preparedness and enhance flood control systems so that when the rainy season returns, their businesses are no longer submerged by floodwaters.