The alarming rate of land subsidence in Jakarta’s northern coastal region has prompted swift government action. In response, the Ministry of Public Works (PU) has announced its plan to accelerate the ban on groundwater use, particularly for residents within the DKI Jakarta area. This measure aims to address the significant and worsening subsidence that threatens the region.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, explained that a new regulation will soon be signed to combat the severe land subsidence that has become a pressing concern in Jakarta’s northern coast.
“Improving and addressing land subsidence must continue to be prioritized,” Dody stated during a visit to Muara Baru, Central Jakarta, on Monday (November 4, 2024).
“As the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development mentioned, this problem arises mainly from excessive groundwater extraction, which has led to a significant drop in groundwater levels.”
Before officially enforcing a groundwater usage ban, the ministry aims to expedite the development of infrastructure that will facilitate the distribution of clean water throughout Jakarta. This step ensures residents will have an alternative water source when the ban takes effect.
Dody highlighted that once the necessary infrastructure is operational, the use of surface water, sourced from the Jatiluhur Dam and the Karian Dam, will be mandatory for the public.
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“We are increasing the water supply from Jatiluhur and other new dams nearby, such as Karian. Ultimately, we will require all residents of DKI Jakarta to stop using groundwater,” he added.
To expedite the realization of these efforts, Dody emphasized collaboration with the Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI). One focus of this partnership will be accelerating the construction of household connections (SR) or water distribution pipelines from the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) to homes.
“We are preparing the water capacity to flow into the city and working alongside local governments to build networks that reach every household,” Dody noted.
The urgency of this initiative is underlined by data shared by AHY, who pointed out that Muara Baru is one of the most affected areas, with land subsidence reaching up to 10 centimeters per year. Over a decade, this could mean a total drop of one meter, exacerbating the risk of flooding in an area housing nearly 20,000 families across 170 hectares.
If unaddressed, tens of thousands of households in this region will face severe threats from tidal floods. “We hope to project solutions and identify the steps necessary to keep Jakarta safe and sustainable,” AHY remarked, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive action.
The collaboration between national and local governments, coupled with the infrastructure developments, reflects a determined push to mitigate the impacts of subsidence and ensure the city remains habitable and resilient in the face of environmental challenges.
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