ZONA BATAS | Tanggul Laut dan Ruang Hidup Pesisir Utara Jakarta

Summary

The transcript highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the coastal communities of northern Jakarta due to tidal floods, exacerbated by land subsidence. The Indonesian government has launched the NCICD project to build sea walls and embankments to mitigate flooding, but the plan has sparked controversy. Local residents, especially those dependent on green mussel farming and fishing, are facing displacement and loss of livelihoods. The impact of the sea wall on their daily lives is explored, alongside the concerns over environmental and social consequences. The need for a sustainable, inclusive approach to the project is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tidal flooding is a daily challenge for those living on the northern coast of Jakarta, exacerbated by high tides and land subsidence due to groundwater overuse.
• 😀 The government initiated the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) project to address tidal flooding, with plans to build a 32 km sea wall and coastal embankments.
• 😀 Despite the efforts of the NCICD project, there are concerns from experts like Andojo and Suraya, who argue that land subsidence, caused by excessive groundwater use, is not addressed by the embankment alone.
• 😀 Activists and scholars emphasize that a sustainable solution requires addressing groundwater use and land subsidence alongside physical infrastructure like sea walls.
• 😀 Some locals, like Samsudin, who rely on green mussel farming, have seen their livelihoods affected by the sea walls, which have moved mussel farms further from the coast and worsened water quality.
• 😀 Many local fishermen, such as Intang, have had their green mussel farms demolished for reclamation projects related to the NCICD, causing displacement and a lack of compensation.
• 😀 The construction of coastal embankments has caused disruption for locals, especially regarding access to their homes, with some fearing their houses and businesses may be demolished as part of the ongoing project.
• 😀 Local resistance is expected if the NCICD project's impact on livelihoods and the environment is not addressed, especially in areas like Kamal Muara where green mussels provide significant income.
• 😀 The reclamation of islands, as part of the NCICD, has raised concerns about the long-term effects on fishing communities, particularly around Pantai Indah Kapuk and the northern Jakarta coast.
• 😀 The NCICD project aims to protect Jakarta from tidal flooding and climate change impacts, but it requires collaboration with local stakeholders and private sector involvement to ensure that both environmental and social concerns are addressed.

Q & A

What is the main cause of tidal floods in northern Jakarta?

The tidal floods in northern Jakarta are mainly caused by high tides overflowing into land areas, compounded by factors like land subsidence due to excessive groundwater use.

What is the NCICD project, and what does it aim to address?

The National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) is a government project initiated in 2014 to combat tidal floods in Jakarta. It involves constructing coastal embankments and sea walls to protect the northern coast and prevent flooding.

Why are some experts skeptical about the NCICD project?

Some experts, such as Andojo and Suraya, are skeptical because they believe the project doesn't address the root cause of land subsidence, particularly due to the continued use of groundwater. The embankment alone is not a sustainable long-term solution.

What is the land subsidence rate predicted to be in the next few decades?

The land subsidence rate is estimated at 7.5 cm annually, meaning that over 10 years, the ground could sink by 75 cm, and by 30 years, it could sink by 2.25 meters.

How has the construction of the embankment impacted local communities?

The embankment has led to issues for local communities, such as displaced green mussel farms, blocked access roads, and the potential demolition of homes and businesses, such as the warung (food stalls) owned by Samsudin and Warsini.

What challenges do local fishermen face due to the NCICD project?

Fishermen like Intang now have to travel further out to sea to fish due to the polluted waters near the coast. The construction of the sea wall and reclamation projects have also destroyed their traditional fishing grounds and disrupted their livelihoods.

What is the economic impact of the green mussel industry in the region?

The green mussel industry provides significant income for locals. In Kalibaru, green mussel harvests can reach about 51 tons annually, and thousands of people rely on it for their livelihoods, including fishermen, harvesters, and vendors.

What are the concerns regarding the demolition of local businesses?

There are concerns that the NCICD project will force locals to demolish their businesses, such as the warung owned by Samsudin and Warsini. The demolition notices and lack of compensation have caused anxiety and resistance from the affected communities.

How does the reclamation of Pantai Indah Kapuk relate to the NCICD project?

Pantai Indah Kapuk's reclamation is part of the Phase B of the NCICD project. It involves the construction of 17 islands and a sea wall, with the goal of strengthening the coastal defenses. However, it has displaced local fishermen and mussel farmers without proper compensation.

What alternative solutions to the embankment construction have been suggested?

Some experts suggest constructing offshore embankments instead of relying solely on the coastal sea walls. This approach would avoid the sinking of the embankment over time and could involve collaboration with private stakeholders to fund the project.