NCICD Embankment Long-Term is Solution to Overcome Tidal Floods on Jakarta Coast

Acting Jakarta Governor Teguh Setyabudi says several factors have caused tidal flooding in coastal areas of Jakarta recently. Among them are land subsidence, high tide phenomena due to the gravity of the full moon and extreme weather.

But, it has yet to be built in some areas that cause tidal floods

According to him, one of the main solutions to overcome tidal floods is to build coastal embankments which are part of the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) program.

Of the total need for embankments along 39 kilometers, he explained, PUPR Ministry had built a 14.7-kilometer-long embankment and another along 8.2 kilometers by Jakarta Provincial Government. This means that there are still 16.1 kilometers of unfinished embankments, spread across various critical points.

Here are SDA Agency's Efforts to Overcome Tidal Floods

"But, it has yet to be built in some areas that cause tidal floods, namely Muara Angke, Mutiara Beach, Sunda Kelapa, Ancol Barat, and Blencong River," he explained on the sidelines of a press conference regarding Jakarta Tidal Flood at City Hall yesterday.

He went on to say that those locations were often in the public spotlight because of the tidal floods which peaked between 8 AM and 12 PM, before starting to recede in the afternoon. The tidal phenomenon was predicted to continue until December 20, 2024, but its intensity tended to decrease.

"Tidal floods will occur when the tide is high between 8 to 9 AM and starts to recede around 12 to 1 PM. Indeed, those near the sea still have puddles left. It is relatively subsided at noon and it is already dry at dawn. Yet I will occur again around 8 to 9 AM," he furthered.

He added the unfinished embankment would be accelerated. This year, a 4-kilometer-long embankment was being built, including in Muara Angke, and was targeted for completion in mid-2025.

"As for the temporary handling measures in the form of patching leaking embankments with sandbags continue to be conducted at vulnerable points," he added.

Besides infrastructure development, the Jakarta Government also anticipated tidal flooding with various other efforts. When the full moon phenomenon occurs, intensive coordination is made between agencies.

"BPBD, SDA Agency, Social Agency, Health Agency and other related agencies are ready to help people, including evacuation, logistical assistance, health, and population administration," he explained.

On the other hand, the Jakarta Government also uses Weather Modification Technology (TMC) to reduce the intensity of heavy rain, especially when extreme weather is predicted by BMKG.

"From December 12 to 16, we have been conducting TMC to minimize heavy rain which can worsen tidal floods. However, the tidal flood itself occurred due to the ebb and flow, instead of TMC or high rainfall," he added.

He hoped that accelerating the construction of coastal embankments together with PUPR Ministry could be a long-term solution to overcome tidal floods on Jakarta's coast.

"We're making maximum efforts. We are not sitting still and keep coordinating with the central government to complete the embankment that has not been built," he stated.