Jakarta and Its Persistent Flood Problem: A Complex Issue in a Growing Megacity

By: Atep Afia Hidayat

Jakarta, one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, continues to grapple with a range of chronic issues typical of any sprawling megacity. Among these, flooding stands out as a recurring problem. Every year, parts of Jakarta and its surrounding areas become inundated for several weeks, with water levels sometimes rising to over three meters. The scale of the flooding can be so severe that it brings daily life in many parts of the capital to a standstill.

In January 2013, Jakarta faced an overwhelming deluge of water caused by a combination of heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, and tidal surges. This convergence of factors turned Jakarta into a waterlogged metropolis, with many residents forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in shelters.

The root cause of Jakarta's flooding is closely linked to the 13 rivers that flow into the city and empty into the coastal waters. These rivers have their origins in the mountainous regions of the Bogor-Puncak-Cianjur area, also known as Bopuncur. This geographical reality shows that solving Jakarta's flooding problem requires more than just local action from the Jakarta administration—it demands coordinated efforts with neighboring municipalities like Bogor, Cianjur, and the broader West Java Province. Jakarta's governor, as powerful as his office may be, can only manage the city’s internal affairs, especially with the city's vast geographical constraints.

One of the proposed solutions to address the problem has been the construction of a reservoir or dam in Ciawi, Bogor. The idea is to store excess water during the rainy season that would otherwise flow into Jakarta and exacerbate the flooding. The concept of “floodwater from upstream” has become a familiar term among Jakarta residents, with the Katulampa sluice gate in Bogor playing a crucial role. If the sluice gate reaches a certain threshold—especially during heavy rainfall—Jakarta's residents are put on high alert, fearing the onset of floods.

Efforts to reduce flooding have included the development of multi-functional tunnels, the East Flood Canal, and river normalizations. However, experts argue that these initiatives alone will not resolve the flood issue unless more attention is given to managing the upstream areas. In fact, the problems caused by upstream activities—such as deforestation and urbanization—are often exacerbated by poor land use management. For example, the destruction of forests and conversion of land for tourism and luxury villas in the Puncak region, part of the Bopuncur area, has contributed significantly to flash floods downstream in Jakarta.

The case of luxury villa construction in the Puncak area is particularly concerning. Many of these villas, owned by affluent Jakarta residents, have contributed to the destruction of the region's natural environment. Ironically, while these residents build their upscale homes on what was once green land, they are also helping to create conditions that worsen the flooding in their own city. This development trend is indicative of a broader environmental dilemma facing Jakarta—people in the city are indirectly contributing to the flooding by encroaching on the forests that protect the upstream areas.

The Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, and Cianjur (Jabodetabekjur) region as a whole requires a comprehensive approach to urban and environmental planning. Some experts have called for the creation of a dedicated ministry or agency to manage this vast metropolitan region and its surrounding areas. This would involve not just addressing flooding but also sustainable urbanization, land management, and conservation efforts across multiple jurisdictions.

Environmental education is another key solution that could mitigate the problem. A concerted effort should be made to teach the public, especially those in the upstream areas, about the importance of maintaining their local ecosystems. The rivers that flow into Jakarta must not be treated as dumping grounds, and the vegetation along their banks should be preserved. Education about sustainable land use and the importance of forest preservation could help prevent the further destruction of natural habitats that contribute to flooding.

The situation is particularly pressing in the Bopuncur region, which includes Ciawi, Megamendung, and Cisarua in Bogor, and Cipanas in Cianjur. These areas have seen significant deforestation and land conversion for villas and tourism. The encroachment on forests and natural landscapes in these areas is causing irreparable damage to the environment, contributing to the intensity of floods downstream in Jakarta.

Jakarta is undoubtedly at a tipping point. The city is already overburdened with rapid urbanization, an expanding population, and inadequate infrastructure. The time has come for national solutions to be implemented urgently. If not addressed, Jakarta may continue to sink, both literally and figuratively, under the weight of its own growth and environmental mismanagement.

References:

1. "Jakarta Floods: What’s the Solution?" Jakarta Post. January 2019.
2. "Deforestation in the Puncak Area and its Impacts on Jakarta Flooding." Environmental Journal of Indonesia. February 2020.
3. "Managing the Jabodetabek Urban Area: A Coordinated Approach to Flood Prevention." Urban Planning Review. March 2021.
4. "Flood Control Measures in Jakarta: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the East Flood Canal and Multi-Functional Tunnels." Jakarta Flood Management Report, 2022.
5.  

Re-write from :

http://www.kangatepafia.com/2013/04/solusi-banjir-jakarta.html