Pekalongan di Pantura Terancam Tenggelam 15 Tahun Lagi

Summary

This transcript highlights the environmental and social challenges faced by the Dusun in Pekalongan, Indonesia, as rising sea levels threaten their community. Over 40 families have already relocated, and 28 remain in the area, dealing with constant flooding and land subsidence caused by unsustainable groundwater extraction. The video explores the impact of climate change, water management issues, and government efforts to mitigate damage, such as building sea defenses. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the people, like Sunaryo, who continue to live in the affected area, showcases their determination to survive and adapt to the changing landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village in Pekalongan is slowly sinking and merging with the sea, with over 40 families having relocated, while 28 others continue to stay.
• 😀 The rising sea levels, a consequence of human activity, have been steadily increasing since 2005 and began flooding the village more severely in 2020.
• 😀 Rayuth, a resident, must first dry out his house every morning before sending his child to school due to frequent flooding caused by high tides.
• 😀 The salty water from the sea continues to erode the residents' belongings, making daily life a struggle as they wait for the water to recede.
• 😀 The rising sea levels in Pekalongan are linked to climate change, with the city expected to be submerged within the next 10 to 15 years according to predictions.
• 😀 Pekalongan’s land is composed of soft, easily compressed sediment, making it prone to sinking when groundwater levels decrease due to over-exploitation of resources.
• 😀 The over-extraction of groundwater for industrial needs, like batik production and fisheries, exacerbates the sinking of the land and depletion of natural water reserves.
• 😀 Local government efforts to supply water from rivers have not yet been sufficient to halt the sinking of the land and prevent further environmental degradation.
• 😀 Sunaryo, a local resident, lost his family’s tambak (fishpond) land to coastal erosion, forcing him to work as a laborer on neighboring properties.
• 😀 The government has built a 7.2 km sea wall in hopes of reducing the impact of flooding and giving more time to implement sustainable water solutions, though residents still rely on groundwater for their daily needs.

Q & A

What caused the gradual sinking of Dusun in Pekalongan?

The sinking of Dusun in Pekalongan was primarily caused by human activities, specifically the over-extraction of groundwater, which has led to land subsidence. Additionally, the rising sea levels, exacerbated by climate change, have also contributed to the area's gradual sinking.

How has the local population in Dusun been affected by the rising sea levels?

Over 40 families have already relocated due to the rising sea levels, while 28 families remain in the area. Residents face daily challenges, such as flooding, with some homes being inundated by seawater, forcing families to wait for the tide to recede before they can go about their daily routines.

What role does the government play in addressing the water issues in Pekalongan?

The government has attempted to manage water issues by expanding infrastructure for fresh water supply sourced from rivers. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to prevent land subsidence, and the city continues to rely heavily on groundwater for industrial and domestic needs.

Why is groundwater extraction such a significant problem in Pekalongan?

Groundwater extraction has been problematic because it is not regulated effectively, leading to the depletion of natural aquifers. This over-extraction causes the ground to sink, exacerbating the effects of flooding and making the area more vulnerable to sea-level rise.

What are the predicted consequences for Pekalongan in the next 10-15 years?

It is predicted that 80% of Pekalongan will be submerged under sea level within the next 10 to 15 years due to rising sea levels and ongoing land subsidence. This presents a serious threat to the region's sustainability and habitability.

What kind of industries in Pekalongan rely on groundwater for their operations?

Industries in Pekalongan, such as batik production, fishing, ice factories, and hospitality (hotels), require large amounts of water, and they rely heavily on groundwater since the local water utilities (PDAM) cannot provide enough water to meet their needs.

How did Sunaryo’s life change due to the impact of the coastal erosion in his area?

Sunaryo, who was once a successful owner of fishponds, lost his land to coastal erosion. As a result, he had to become a laborer working on neighboring land, and his family moved away in search of safer places. He now lives alone and has invested in raising the foundation of his home to protect against the rising waters.

What is the government's solution to mitigate the impact of flooding in Pekalongan?

The government has built a 7.2 km long seawall along the northern coast of Pekalongan to protect against flooding. This seawall is intended to buy time for the government to find alternative freshwater sources to replace the over-extraction of groundwater.

How does the use of water in Pekalongan relate to the region’s industrial history?

The use of water in Pekalongan is rooted in the region's industrial history, dating back to the colonial era. The Dutch built extensive water infrastructure to support sugar plantations, and the same systems laid the foundation for the industrialization and population growth that followed.

What is the long-term impact of the region’s reliance on groundwater for its industries?

The long-term impact of relying on groundwater for industrial needs is the depletion of natural aquifers and land subsidence, which has caused parts of the city to sink. This exacerbates flooding and makes the area more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels.