Bedono, Desa yang Hilang Ditelan Laut dan Kisah Mak Jah yang Tetap Bertahan di Rumahnya Sendirian

Summary

The transcript highlights the resilience of the community in Demak, Indonesia, facing challenges from rising sea levels, land subsidence, and flooding, all worsened by climate change. As the population shrinks and farmland becomes submerged, many families adapt by raising their homes and diversifying their livelihoods. Some remain despite the hardships, including those like the Pasijah family, who have planted mangroves for protection. Education continues in flooded schools, demonstrating perseverance. Although infrastructure projects like a toll road were meant to help, they have worsened drainage, leaving the community to cope with increasingly severe conditions. The narrative emphasizes human perseverance, hope, and self-sufficiency amidst adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The land in the village is sinking by 10-12 cm per year, causing houses to be built higher than the original land levels.
• 😀 The village population has significantly decreased, with nearly 3,000 people leaving between 2007 and 2023 due to environmental challenges.
• 🌊 Rising sea levels and land subsidence in northern Java, especially in Demak, have caused widespread flooding, with farmland and roads submerged.
• 🏡 Despite the flooding, some families, such as the Pasijah family, have chosen to stay and adapt to the changing environment by planting mangroves to protect their homes.
• 🌱 Mangroves have helped protect the homes from the sea and have provided economic benefits to the residents, including wildlife support.
• 🌍 Some residents, like Mak Jah, have embraced the situation by finding new ways to make a living despite the rising sea levels and submerged land.
• 📚 Schools in the affected areas, such as SD Negeri Sriwulan 3, have faced significant disruptions, with classrooms flooded and students learning in challenging conditions.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The community’s spirit remains strong, with many residents refusing to leave despite the harsh environmental conditions, choosing to adapt rather than relocate.
• 🚧 The construction of a toll road in the area, designed to solve flooding problems, has instead worsened the situation by restricting drainage and causing more flooding in some parts.
• 💪 The people of Bedono and Sriwulan have shown resilience in the face of extreme climate changes, with a strong sense of community support and governmental involvement to tackle the issues.

Q & A

What are the main environmental challenges faced by the residents of Demak?

The residents of Demak face significant challenges due to land subsidence, sea-level rise, and flooding. These factors have caused the loss of agricultural land, destruction of infrastructure, and forced many residents to adapt by either relocating or adjusting their livelihoods.

How has land subsidence affected the homes in the region?

Land subsidence in the region has caused the ground level to lower by 10 to 12 cm annually. As a result, many homes are slowly being submerged in water, and some residents have had to raise their homes by up to 2.5 meters to prevent flooding.

Why have some residents chosen not to relocate despite the worsening conditions?

Some residents, like Mak Jah and Susmadi, have chosen not to relocate because they are emotionally and practically connected to the land. They have adapted by finding ways to protect their homes and livelihoods, such as planting mangroves and utilizing local resources.

What role has the mangrove plantation played in protecting the residents' homes?

The mangrove plantation, started in the year 2000, has played a critical role in protecting the homes from rising sea levels and coastal erosion. It has helped stabilize the environment, reduce the impact of strong waves, and provide a buffer against the encroaching sea.

How has the education system been impacted by the environmental changes?

The education system has been severely affected by the flooding. Schools, such as SD Negeri Sriwulan 3, have had classrooms submerged in water. As a result, students continue their education in challenging conditions, with fewer students attending due to the worsening floods.

How have residents adapted their livelihoods to cope with the changing environment?

Residents have adapted by diversifying their livelihoods. Some have shifted from traditional farming to fishing or small businesses related to local resources, such as processing marine products. This shift allows them to maintain an income despite the loss of agricultural land.

What impact has the construction of the toll road had on the area?

The construction of the toll road, initially seen as a potential solution to the flooding problem, has worsened the situation. It has interfered with the natural flow of water and exacerbated the flooding by reducing space for the water to drain, making the problem worse in certain areas.

What is the general attitude of the residents toward their situation?

Despite the harsh conditions, the residents maintain a resilient attitude. They continue to stay in their homes, adapt to the changing environment, and hold on to hope. Their determination is rooted in a strong connection to the land and a desire to survive and thrive amidst the challenges.

What efforts have been made by the government to address the issues in Demak?

Although the government has not provided substantial assistance for relocation, they have attempted to address the situation by planning infrastructure projects like the toll road. However, the residents have largely relied on their own resilience and resourcefulness to cope with the environmental changes.

How do the residents view the future of their villages?

The residents acknowledge the difficulties their villages face, but they remain hopeful. Many believe that with continued adaptation, community solidarity, and a focus on sustainability, they can manage the challenges of rising sea levels and land subsidence in the long term.