TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An expert of environmental engineering, Firdaus Ali, said that Jakarta has the largest land subsidence rate in the world. Averagely, the capital's ground surface is lowering up to 10.8 centimeters per year.
In the North Jakarta, the rate is even more extreme, up to 28 centimeters per year. "It happens along the Jakarta shore," said Firdaus on November 22. Some has only subsidence rate of two centimeters a year.
"We are currently holding the world record, replacing Mexico City, Yokohama, and Bangkok," said Firdaus. If this is left unsolved, the sea level in 2050 can reach Central Jakarta area.
North Jakarta's position as a delta at the river mouth and tectonic activities are contributing to this ground sinking. "But, the most contributing factor is ground water exploitations," said Firdaus.
While the surface ground water can be replaced by rain, the deep aquifier system is hard to be recharged. Thus, Firdaus continued, the government needs to reinforce the law for shopping centers, hotels and apartments to own water recycle facilities. The establishment of giant sea embankment is also expected to suppress the subsidence rate and the rise of sea level. The megaproject is predicted to be finished in 2030.
The Head of General Affair Agency, Manggas Rudy Siahaan, said that budget for the banks is included in Jakarta's 2014 Provincial Budget.
ANGGRITA DESYANI
