The coastal areas of Jakarta have long been under the threat of tidal flooding (banjir rob). To mitigate its worsening effects, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) is set to begin constructing a coastal embankment.
This was announced by DKI Jakarta Acting Governor Teguh Setyabudi during his visit to Muara Angke, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, an area affected by tidal flooding.
“The budget for the coastal embankment construction has already been allocated. We are now in the discussion phase with the DKI Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD),” Teguh stated in a written statement on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
He further explained that once the discussions are complete, the Pemprov DKI will proceed with the tender process to build the embankment. This construction effort will be expedited following a recent visit by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to the area.
“Vice President Gibran has requested that the tidal flooding be addressed as soon as possible, and the main solution is the coastal embankment. So, God willing, we will accelerate its construction next year,” Teguh added.
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Teguh also shared that the government has been working to address tidal flooding by creating a diversion channel (sodetan) to speed up the flow of water into the sea during high tides. The diversion will allow floodwaters to recede more quickly as they will be directly channeled into the sea.
During his visit, Teguh, along with Gibran, observed the condition of the roads and homes in Muara Angke that were impacted by the flooding. Gibran emphasized the need for stronger coordination among the involved parties to address the flooding issue.
He urged the Pemprov DKI to accelerate the development of integrated flood control infrastructure, including the embankment project that is planned to protect Jakarta from the impacts of rising sea levels.
Tidal flooding is a growing challenge for Jakarta’s coastal areas. The most recent incident occurred on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in North Jakarta. The high tide on the morning of November 16 prompted the Pasar Ikan Water Gate to raise the water level status to a dangerous or alert level 1 as of 10:00 AM WIB.
According to DKI Jakarta BPBD Head Isnawa Adji, the tidal flooding in North Jakarta was caused by the maximum tidal phenomenon coinciding with the new moon phase. This event has the potential to further increase the maximum tidal water level, resulting in more tidal flooding along Jakarta’s northern coastline.
