Indonesia Is Building A Giant Sea Wall To Save Jakarta

Summary

Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is sinking at an alarming rate due to urbanization, groundwater extraction, and rising sea levels. In response, the Indonesian government has launched the ambitious Garuda Sea Wall Project, a 40 km, 24-meter tall barrier designed to protect the city from flooding and land subsidence. With a $10.5 billion budget, the seawall will include urban spaces, artificial islands, and a freshwater reservoir. While it offers hope, critics question its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of Jakarta's sinking. This engineering marvel could change Jakarta’s future, but only time will tell.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jakarta is sinking at a rate of 12 cm per year, mainly due to groundwater extraction and the weight of its skyscrapers.
• 🌊 Rising sea levels are exacerbating Jakarta's flooding problems, with damages currently estimated at $133 million annually.
• 🏙️ The Garuda Seawall project is a 40 km, 24-meter-high barrier designed to protect Jakarta from flooding and land subsidence.
• 💰 The project has an initial budget of $10.5 billion and is expected to be completed in phases, with the first phase by 2030.
• 🦅 Named after the mythical Garuda bird, the seawall symbolizes strength and protection for Jakarta against the encroaching sea.
• 🏗️ The seawall will feature a multifunctional design, including residential zones, industrial areas, airports, harbors, and green spaces.
• 🏝️ The project includes the creation of 17 artificial islands to house 2 million people and support urban development.
• 💧 An integrated floodgate system will regulate water levels from Jakarta's 13 rivers, preventing water accumulation behind the wall.
• 🌱 The seawall will also feature a freshwater reservoir to reduce Jakarta's reliance on groundwater and address its chronic water issues.
• 🌍 Environmental concerns exist regarding the impact on marine ecosystems, but mitigation efforts such as fish passes and mangrove restoration are part of the design.
• 🤔 Critics argue that while the seawall is a massive engineering project, it may not solve the root causes of Jakarta's sinking, such as rapid urbanization and unsustainable water extraction.

Q & A

What is the Garuda Seawall project and what is its purpose?

The Garuda Seawall project is an ambitious infrastructure initiative designed to protect Jakarta from flooding and land subsidence. It aims to build a colossal seawall around the city to shield it from rising sea levels and mitigate the effects of Jakarta sinking due to over-extraction of groundwater and rapid urbanization.

How long is the Garuda Seawall and how tall will it be?

The Garuda Seawall will span 40 kilometers and rise 24 meters tall. It will serve as a massive barrier to protect Jakarta from flooding caused by rising sea levels.

What are some of the key features of the Garuda Seawall project?

In addition to its primary function as a protective barrier, the Garuda Seawall will feature a vibrant urban space on top, including residential areas, industrial zones, parks, and even 17 artificial islands. It will also incorporate advanced floodgate systems and a freshwater reservoir to address Jakarta's water scarcity issues.

Why is Jakarta sinking, and what factors contribute to this problem?

Jakarta is sinking due to a combination of factors: the weight of skyscrapers and shopping malls compacting the soil, excessive groundwater extraction to meet the city's water needs, and rising sea levels from the Java Sea, which together contribute to the city's land subsidence and flooding problems.

What is the projected cost and timeline for completing the Garuda Seawall?

The Garuda Seawall project is expected to cost $10.5 billion for the first phase, with the entire project set to be completed over 40 years, with key milestones aiming for a preliminary seawall by 2030 and full completion by 2040.

How will the Garuda Seawall address Jakarta's water issues?

The Garuda Seawall will include a freshwater reservoir to collect and store rainwater and river water, which will reduce the city's reliance on groundwater extraction and help alleviate the water shortage problem.

What is the environmental impact of the Garuda Seawall project?

While the project faces concerns about disrupting marine ecosystems, it has incorporated environmental safeguards such as fish passes and mangrove restoration areas. Additionally, the floodgates are designed to minimize disruption to water flow, and extensive environmental studies have been conducted to mitigate potential negative effects.

What challenges does the Garuda Seawall project face?

The Garuda Seawall faces several challenges, including concerns about its environmental impact, the feasibility of raising the required funds, and whether it will effectively address the root causes of Jakarta's sinking, such as groundwater extraction and rapid urbanization.

How will the Garuda Seawall project affect Jakarta's urban landscape?

The project will transform Jakarta's urban landscape by creating new residential areas, industrial zones, and public spaces on top of the seawall. It aims to house approximately 2 million people on 17 artificial islands, which will also serve as urban hubs within the city's broader development plan.

What is the historical context of the Garuda Seawall project?

Originally proposed in 2010, the Garuda Seawall project faced strong opposition from environmental groups and local politicians who feared its potential to disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods. However, due to Jakarta's escalating sinking crisis, the project has been revived and adapted to address the urgent need for a solution.