Jakarta, Indonesia’s sprawling capital, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. Located on the northern coast of Java, much of the city lies just a few meters above sea level. Rising seas, coupled with the city’s subsidence — due to excessive groundwater extraction — significantly elevate the risk of coastal flooding. Areas that are sinking at a rate of up to 10 centimeters per year exacerbate the situation. These factors lead to frequent floods, disrupting daily life, overwhelming drainage systems, and affecting millions of residents. Environmental damage is severe, with saltwater intrusion contaminating freshwater supplies and eroding coastal wetlands and mangroves that provide natural flood protection.
Jakarta is a crucial economic hub, with ports, industry, and services contributing to its growth. However, the rising sea puts key infrastructure at risk, with port disruptions affecting both local and global trade. Flooding damages homes and businesses, especially in low-income areas, deepening social inequalities. The city faces an urgent need for resilient infrastructure and long-term planning to mitigate the effects of sea level rise. This challenge calls for integrated solutions that combine urban planning, climate resilience, and social equity to protect Jakarta’s future.