Excessive Use of Groundwater Could Lead Jakarta to be Underwater

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Excessive use of groundwater in multi-storey buildings could soon lead Jakarta to be submerged under water. Currently, land subsidence continues to occur. Some experts are still arguing about the biggest cause of the decline: whether it is due to water sucking or the natural formation of rocks.

Suppressing the use of legal or illegal groundwater suppresses at least also one of the contributing factors for the continued deterioration of mainland Jakarta. Raising wells and raising ground water rates can be a way of suppressing groundwater suction.

Koran Tempo Editorial Edition (Indonesian language), Thursday, July 27, 2017, acknowledges the actions of the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, who are conducting an investigative audit on the use of groundwater by buildings in Jakarta. Forcible closure of illegal wells and imposition of administrative sanctions against violators of groundwater use should be done in accordance with existing regulations.

The problem is, the Jakarta government should pay attention to the ability to provide clean water if it wants to reduce ground water suction. It is not fair that the government does not provide a replacement option, which is to increase the network and supply of clean water through pipes.

INDONESIANA | ISTI