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The Story Behind the 1960 Flood: How Does Flood Crisis in Emerging Communities Affect Governance?
The floods of 1960 were like a prelude to disaster for Jakarta's emerging communities. In the development process of this city, climate change and rapid urbanization have intertwined to become the reasons behind this flood. Exactly how this flood profoundly affected the local governance model and subsequent urban planning has become the focus of many studies and discussions.
Jakarta is located in a low-lying basin, with an average altitude of only 7 meters, and 40% of the area is even below sea level. This geographical location makes the city prone to flooding when there is excessive rainfall.
Since 1960, Jakarta has experienced many major floods, especially in 1996, 2007 and 2013. These frequent flood events not only cause casualties and economic losses, but also gradually attract the attention of the government and society to this issue.
The background of the floods in 1960
In 1960, serious flooding occurred in the Grogo District, a new community in Jakarta. Although the area was planned to be flood-proof, after heavy rains, water flooded to knee and waist height. At this time, Governor Somano, who had just taken office, faced his first test. This flood became a key turning point in future governance.
Faced with sudden floods, the government's resources and emergency response capabilities were tested, and many residents were forced to evacuate and seek safe shelter.
The impact of flooding from the 1950s to the 2020s
As the city grows rapidly, Jakarta's water infrastructure is inadequate to cope with increasing rainfall and river levels. As the population continues to grow, old drainage systems are often clogged and cannot even be drained of water caused by heavy rains in a timely manner. From 1996 to 2020, multiple floods in Jakarta caused far-reaching economic losses. According to estimates, economic losses caused by floods are as high as IDR 21 trillion every year.
Ongoing issues and future prospects
Not only floods, Jakarta's land subsidence problem is becoming more and more serious. It is reported that the annual subsidence rate can reach 5 to 10 centimeters, which may lead to more serious sea level rise and inland flood risks in the future. Local residents also face many challenges in water use, and the penetration rate of piped water supply is only 28%. However, due to water quality issues and high connection fees, many residents rely on groundwater.
Faced with these challenges, the government proposed response strategies in 2021 including wall construction and urban flood prevention plans, aiming to mitigate the impact of flooding and fundamentally improve the city's drainage system.
In recent years, the government has also begun to implement a variety of plans, including the construction of the Eastern Flood Control Canal and post-disaster preparedness in close cooperation with the community. In this case, relying on the adaptability and wisdom of human society will become a top priority in the future.
When faced with the constant challenges of flooding and urban development, how can Jakarta reshape its governance model to protect its residents and resources from being engulfed by natural disasters?
