Explore the sinking reality of Jakarta and the government’s  plan to relocate Indonesia’s capital, as well as the vulnerable state of Southeast Asia in the face of global climate change.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your city sinks and is covered with water permanently? It sounds impossible, but to tell you, it isn’t. Amid rapid global climate change, Jakarta is just one of many cities worldwide facing the grim reality of sinking ground and rising water levels. 

Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital city, has been the site of numerous floods and is sinking at an alarming rate  that experts suggest may lead to its eventual submersion. A massive relocation project of the capital city is now on the government’s agenda, which will have many far-reaching implications.

The Sinking Reality of Jakarta

Historically, Jakarta has experienced rapid development and a surge in population over the years, which causes damage to the environment in various ways. The city was founded in the 4th century and then transformed into a Dutch East India Company center in the 1600s, all the while situated within a low-lying coastal plain with numerous flood-prone rivers. 

The city has been continuing to battle rising sea levels and land subsidence, which have led to a recent spike in its sinking, primarily due to extensive groundwater use, deforestation, and excessive construction in non-permissible areas. Around 40% of North Jakarta now lies below sea level, with many homes and buildings sinking into the ground.

This ongoing land subsidence continues to pose a considerable threat to both the environment and the community. The damaged infrastructure system, increased flooding, and loss of critical drinking water sources have already led to devastating consequences for Jakarta’s population and economy.

The Plan to Relocate Indonesia’s Capital

Indonesia’s government has now taken the groundbreaking step of relocating the capital from Jakarta to a new, purpose-built city in the East Kalimantan region on the island of Borneo. The decision to move the capital from Jakarta was made in part due to the city’s fragile condition and inability to sustain growth under existing conditions. 

The new location will enable the administration to improve governance and regional development and also help to ease the burden in Jakarta. Moreover, Kalimantan is a region of Indonesia that has vast biodiversity and the potential to boost ecotourism, among other things. The move will inevitably provide new opportunities and growth to re-address the country’s economic, social, and environmental issues.

Southeast Asia: A Vulnerable Victim of Climate Change

Southeast Asian nations have to deal with the geographical challenges of climate change-related disasters like typhoons, sea-level rises, and cyclones. Few countries have the necessary resources, infrastructure, or planning to tackle these issues, leading to fatalities, displacement, and environmental havoc.

The 2011 floods in Thailand are a perfect example of how difficult it is to manage the consequences of climate change. SEA countries are also the focus of global attention because of their relatively high carbon footprint, primarily due to their energy production from coal use.

ASEAN’s Role in Climate Resilience

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been striving to improve climate security and foster resilience against climate change in its other member countries. It has recently introduced initiatives and ASEAN countries signed an agreement in which each of them committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and introducing support and funding to address climate resilience.

ASEAN countries have collectively signed an agreement that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the region. This is a monumental step, as it signifies a unified approach to tackling climate change. The agreement outlines specific targets and timelines for each member country, aiming for a collective reduction in emissions.

Financial Support and Funding Mechanisms

The agreement also includes provisions for financial support and funding mechanisms to help member countries build climate resilience. This could involve the development of new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and educational programs to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts.

Partnerships and Collaboration

ASEAN is also seeking partnerships with other international organizations and countries to bolster its climate initiatives. Collaboration on research, technology transfer, and sharing best practices are some of the ways the organization aims to strengthen its climate action plans.

Public Awareness

In addition, public awareness is crucial for the success of any climate initiative. ASEAN is investing in educational programs and campaigns to inform the public about the importance of climate action and how individuals can contribute to the cause.

By taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach, ASEAN aims to make significant strides in improving climate security and resilience against climate change in the region. The organization’s recent initiatives and agreements are a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of its member countries.

The Future for Jakarta and Southeast Asia

Moving Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta is not enough to build a future for the city and Southeast Asia. It is fundamental that SEA moves towards a sustainable way of living and architecture that utilizes sustainable materials and focuses on net-zero lifestyles. 

Climate resilience and innovation initiatives that are necessary to improve lives and livelihoods also need to be developed and executed. Collaborative projects within the region for climate action, such as cross-border conservation planning, may also contribute positively to safeguarding progress in Southeast Asia.

Let’s Act Now to Help Jakarta and SEA Towards a Better Future

Climate change is a planetary crisis that is impacting global economies, populations, and environments. While Jakarta’s sinking is dire, developments in technology and innovations in areas like water management and low carbon energy demonstrate potential solutions. Nonetheless, rapid and decisive action must be taken now to prevent further destruction and secure a better future for Southeast Asia and the globe.

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If you’re eager to delve deeper into sustainable living, we encourage you to explore another article that offers valuable insights. Check out: Smart Cities: The Future of Architecture, Technology, and Sustainability or visit www.billionbricks.org.

Resources:

1. Britannica. Dutch East India Company. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/Dutch-East-India-Company

2. Grace Stinson. Vertical Villages: A Sinking City’s Effort to Overcome Rising Sea Levels. Retrieved from: https://impakter.com/vertical-villages-sinking-jakarta-effort-overcome-rising-sea-levels/#:~:text=This%20exploitation%20of%20the%20underground,be%20fully%20submerged%20by%202050.

3. Charmaine Jacob. Indonesia is moving its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. Here’s why it won’t be so easy. Retrieved from: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/28/indonesia-to-move-capital-from-jakarta-to-nusantara-but-it-wont-be-easy.html#:~:text=Indonesia%20has%20ambitious%20plans%20to,capital’s%20population%20and%20traffic%20congestion.

4. Gale and Saunders. The 2011 Thailand flood: climate causes and return periods. Retrieved from: https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wea.2133

5. ASEAN. Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Retrieved from: https://asean.org/

6. Amit Prakash. Boiling Point. Retrieved from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2018/09/southeast-asia-climate-change-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions-prakash#:~:text=While%20the%20region%E2%80%99s%20greenhouse%20gas,Southeast%20Asia%20than%20anywhere%20else