Why Jakarta is sinking

Summary

The Waladuna Mosque in Jakarta stands as a stark reminder of the city's severe sinking crisis, driven by groundwater extraction and inadequate water infrastructure. Jakarta, which has been sinking for decades, faces the threat of significant portions becoming submerged by 2050. The legacy of colonial water management has left many residents reliant on wells, exacerbating the situation. Despite government plans for seawalls and improved water supply, progress is slow. Without a comprehensive solution to provide clean, piped water, Jakarta's plight serves as a cautionary tale for coastal cities worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Waladuna Mosque in Jakarta symbolizes the city's sinking crisis, highlighting the impact of rising sea levels and urban development.
• 🌊 Jakarta is sinking at a rate of about 25 cm per year, particularly in coastal areas, endangering the lives of over 10 million residents.
• 🚰 Most Jakartans lack access to clean piped water and rely on groundwater extraction, exacerbating the city's sinking.
• 🕳️ Groundwater pumping causes soil compaction, contributing to the land's subsidence and worsening flooding risks.
• 🏙️ The city's infrastructure, developed rapidly without adequate water management, has left many areas vulnerable to flooding.
• 📜 Jakarta's history of colonialism, especially under Dutch rule, created a segregated city with unequal access to water resources.
• 💧 The piped water supply remains insufficient, with less than 50% of residents having access today, a slight increase since the 1950s.
• 🚧 Plans to build seawalls and protect the coast are underway, but progress is slow and the project may take decades to complete.
• 🛠️ Successful examples from cities like Tokyo show that providing piped water can halt land sinking; Jakarta needs a similar approach.
• ⏳ Without immediate action to improve water access and management, Jakarta's future remains uncertain, with much of the city potentially underwater by 2050.

Q & A

What is the current condition of Waladuna Mosque in Jakarta?

The mosque is in ruins, with a moss-covered structure and sea water flowing through it. The last prayer held there was in 2001.

Why is Jakarta sinking?

Jakarta is sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, which compacts the soil, combined with rapid urban development and inadequate water management.

How much is Jakarta sinking annually?

In some areas along the northern coast, Jakarta is sinking by approximately 25 cm per year.

What percentage of Jakartans have access to piped water?

Less than 50% of Jakarta's population has access to piped water, a situation that has not significantly improved since the 1950s.

What historical events contributed to Jakarta's current water issues?

The Dutch colonization led to the establishment of a segregated city with inadequate maintenance of canals and unequal access to piped water, creating long-lasting divisions.

What measures has the Indonesian government proposed to address the sinking issue?

The government has proposed moving the capital to Borneo and initiated a project to build and reinforce seawalls to protect against flooding.

What was one of the worst flooding events in Jakarta's history?

In 2007, Jakarta experienced severe flooding caused by a storm and high tide, resulting in 80 deaths.

What is the proposed long-term solution to prevent Jakarta from sinking?

Providing clean, piped water to residents is essential to stop groundwater pumping, a solution successfully implemented in other cities like Tokyo.

How has urban development affected Jakarta's water absorption capacity?

Rapid urbanization has led to extensive concrete coverage, preventing rainwater from being absorbed back into the aquifers.

What are the projected consequences for Jakarta by 2050?

A significant portion of Jakarta could be underwater by 2050 if current trends continue, affecting millions of residents.