JAKARTA KOTA AIR (Part 3) - Kampung Pinggir Sungai

Summary

The transcript discusses the challenges faced by residents in Kampung Tongkol, Jakarta, as the government implements a river normalization program along the Ciliwung River. Residents resist forced relocation and come up with creative solutions, such as adjusting their homes to fit within the government's new plans, including 'cutting' houses near the riverbank. The conversation highlights the community's efforts to adapt to environmental changes, like flooding, by building flood-resistant homes, such as elevated ones. The video emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in decision-making and the need for solutions that accommodate both environmental and cultural considerations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ciliwung River canal system in Jakarta was originally intended to mimic the canals of Amsterdam, but efforts to normalize it have faced significant challenges, including sediment buildup and local opposition.
• 😀 Residents in Kampung Tongkol opposed the government's plan to demolish their homes for river normalization, instead proposing alternative solutions such as reducing the proposed road width to 5 meters.
• 😀 The Jakarta government rejected the residents' proposed alternative for the river normalization, insisting that a 25-meter-wide road was necessary to enable proper river dredging operations.
• 😀 Despite resistance, residents of Kampung Tongkol began to collectively reduce their homes by 5 meters to accommodate the river normalization, allowing them to stay in the area.
• 😀 A house built in Kampung Tongkol in 2015 demonstrates a new approach to living by the river, with a 5-meter distance between the house and the river to ensure safety during floods.
• 😀 The house in Kampung Tongkol preserved local trees by successfully negotiating with the government to shift a planned river wall, or sheet pile, inward to avoid tree removal.
• 😀 Some residents in Jakarta's southern region opted for elevated houses, built on steel frames to avoid damage from moisture and termites, with an emphasis on long-term flood prevention strategies like biopores.
• 😀 Elevated houses offer a sustainable solution to flood risks in Jakarta, with the raised structures reducing exposure to water and minimizing property damage during floods.
• 😀 Government and residents alike need to collaborate in providing space for dialogue and negotiation when it comes to solutions for informal settlements and flood-prone areas in Jakarta.
• 😀 The concept of elevated houses, or 'rumah panggung,' is proposed as a solution for flood-prone areas, with residents in areas like Kelapa Gading preferring this type of house to 'live in harmony with water.'

Q & A

What was the original plan for the Ciliwung River canal project?

The original plan for the Ciliwung River canal project was to create a canal system similar to Amsterdam's, where the Ciliwung River would be channeled, straightened, and concreted. The idea was to make the river navigable and improve the surrounding urban infrastructure.

Why did the government want to widen the Ciliwung River by 25 meters?

The government aimed to widen the Ciliwung River by 25 meters to prevent flooding, facilitate better water flow, and support the normalizing efforts for the river. This would involve demolishing some homes along the riverbanks to make space for the widened channel and roadways.

What was the response of the residents in Kampung Tongkol regarding the proposed demolition?

The residents of Kampung Tongkol strongly opposed the proposed demolition of their homes. They initiated a dialogue, suggested cutting their houses by 5 meters from the riverbank, and created a proposal to present to the government, hoping to minimize the destruction and preserve their homes.

How did the Kampung Tongkol residents' initiative impact their situation?

The residents' initiative to cut their homes by 5 meters allowed 260 out of 300 families to remain in Kampung Tongkol. This effort enabled them to stay in their community, avoiding full displacement and demonstrating that adaptation could be a solution rather than forced relocation.

How did the government react to the residents' proposal for the 5-meter house cutting?

Initially, the government rejected the 5-meter house-cutting proposal, claiming it would not work for the river's normalizing process. However, after some negotiation and showing the feasibility of the plan, they agreed to adjust their approach, which ultimately allowed the residents to stay.

What were the key design elements of the newly constructed homes in Kampung Tongkol?

The new homes in Kampung Tongkol were built 5 meters away from the river to provide a buffer zone. This was aimed at ensuring safety during floods and preserving space for community activities. The design also incorporated trees and greenery, and the houses were constructed using materials that could withstand high moisture levels.

What role did the sheet pile (river wall) play in the Kampung Tongkol project?

The sheet pile was designed to reinforce the riverbank to prevent erosion and flooding. Initially, the plan was to place the sheet pile close to the river, which would have required removing trees. However, after resident protests, the sheet pile was moved inland, allowing the trees to remain and preserving the natural environment.

How did the residents of Kampung Tongkol manage flooding risks in their homes?

To manage flooding risks, the residents of Kampung Tongkol built their homes with an elevated platform, 5 meters away from the river. This allowed them to stay safe from floodwaters while also providing a space underneath for storage. This design was seen as a long-term solution to the flood-prone area.

What was the significance of the biopori system used by some residents?

The biopori system, which involved creating small holes in the ground, was used to help absorb rainwater and reduce surface runoff. This was a simple yet effective method to mitigate flooding, especially in areas with high rainfall, such as Jakarta.

What broader message do the residents of Kampung Tongkol hope to convey with their efforts?

The residents of Kampung Tongkol hope to convey that informal settlements and marginalized communities can be part of the solution to urban problems, especially in flood-prone areas. They emphasize the importance of involving residents in decision-making processes and finding local solutions, rather than imposing top-down policies.