Why Jakarta is sinking

TL;DR

Jakarta is sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction.

Transcript

This is Waladuna Mosque in Jakarta. Its roof is in ruins. Moss covers the walls. And sea water flows through every corner of it. The last time people prayed here was in 2001, back when it was above ground. Today, it’s a warning sign. It signals what could happen to Indonesia’s  capital city if things don’t change soon. Because, even though Jakarta ... Read More

Key Insights

• Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate, especially in northern areas, due to excessive groundwater extraction by residents who lack access to clean, piped water.
• The city's sinking problem is compounded by its historical development, dating back to Dutch colonial rule, which created an unequal water distribution system.
• Jakarta's infrastructure is not equipped to handle the rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to inadequate water supply and increased groundwater extraction.
• The Indonesian government has proposed moving the capital to Borneo and constructing seawalls to mitigate flooding, but these solutions may not address the root causes of sinking.
• Historical segregation by the Dutch led to unequal access to water, forcing indigenous residents to rely on groundwater, which contributes to the city's subsidence.
• Coastal areas, particularly fishing communities, are severely affected by the sinking, with residents experiencing frequent flooding and damage to their homes.
• The city's current water infrastructure serves less than half of the population, necessitating the continued use of groundwater pumps.
• Other cities like Tokyo and Bangkok have successfully addressed land subsidence by improving water infrastructure, suggesting potential solutions for Jakarta.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the primary cause of Jakarta's sinking?

The primary cause of Jakarta's sinking is the excessive extraction of groundwater by residents who lack access to clean, piped water. This extraction causes the ground to compact and sink, as the aquifers are not replenished due to urban development and concrete coverage preventing natural water absorption.

Q: How does Jakarta's colonial history contribute to its current problems?

Jakarta's colonial history under Dutch rule established a segregated water system that excluded many indigenous residents from accessing clean, piped water. This historical inequality forced residents to rely on alternative water sources, such as groundwater, leading to the current issues of land subsidence as the city expanded and urbanized.

Q: What are the proposed solutions to Jakarta's sinking problem?

Proposed solutions include relocating the capital to Borneo and constructing extensive seawalls to protect against flooding. However, these measures may not address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of access to clean, piped water for a significant portion of Jakarta's population, necessitating groundwater extraction.

Q: How does groundwater extraction cause the land to sink?

Groundwater extraction causes the land to sink because it removes water from underground aquifers, leading to the compaction of the porous rock layers that hold the water. As these layers compact and collapse, the ground above them sinks, exacerbating the subsidence problem in areas like Jakarta.

Q: What historical factors led to the unequal water distribution in Jakarta?

The unequal water distribution in Jakarta stems from the Dutch colonial era, where the city was divided into segregated quarters with different levels of access to water. The Dutch prioritized their own settlements with piped water, leaving indigenous communities reliant on canals and groundwater, a disparity that persists today.

Q: Why is the construction of seawalls not a complete solution for Jakarta?

Seawalls are not a complete solution because they only address the symptoms of the problem, such as flooding, without tackling the root cause, which is the excessive groundwater extraction due to inadequate piped water supply. Without addressing water infrastructure, the land will continue to sink, undermining seawall effectiveness.

Q: How have other cities successfully managed land subsidence issues?

Cities like Tokyo, Bangkok, and Shanghai have successfully managed land subsidence by improving their water infrastructure and reducing reliance on groundwater extraction. They implemented comprehensive water supply systems, ensuring access to piped water and reducing the need for groundwater pumping, stabilizing the land over time.

Q: What are the risks if Jakarta's sinking problem is not addressed?

If Jakarta's sinking problem is not addressed, large portions of the city could be underwater by 2050, displacing millions of residents and causing severe economic and infrastructural damage. The continued sinking would exacerbate flooding risks, threaten livelihoods, and necessitate costly interventions, impacting the city's long-term viability.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jakarta is experiencing severe land subsidence due to excessive groundwater extraction, a problem rooted in historical and infrastructural issues. The city's water infrastructure is inadequate, forcing residents to rely on groundwater, which causes the land to sink. Proposed solutions like seawalls and relocating the capital may not fully address the underlying issues.

• The sinking of Jakarta is exacerbated by its colonial past, where the Dutch established a segregated water system that persists today. The lack of access to clean, piped water leads to the overuse of groundwater pumps, causing the city's land to compact and sink.

• Jakarta's future is at risk unless the government can provide a sustainable water solution. While other cities have successfully addressed similar issues, Jakarta's unique historical and geographical challenges complicate potential solutions. The city's survival depends on immediate and effective intervention.