T

he North Jakarta Cost reclamation project plan and the rampant flooding in Jakarta came to mind when we visited the Saemangeum Deep Sea Reclamation Project and the Four Rivers Restoration Project. Both are located outside of Seoul. New lands on the sea, sustainable water supply storage for the entire nation and the creation of a flood-free Seoul (and other cities) are the two key objectives of the two mega projects.

Our hosts were very enthusiastic in explaining the benefits of the projects in terms of economy and environment. The reclamation project will cover an area of 401 square kilometers, including 118 kilometers (km) of freshwater lakes. Its main construction includes 33.9 km of dikes, 2 sluice gates and 68.2 km of blocking embankments.

The project will become a huge hub for agriculture, industry, urban housing, renewable energy development and a science and research center.

“Developments are pushed ahead so that the regions have a role as leverage to strengthen national competitiveness,” the site tour guide explained.

The project however remains controversial. Environmentalists described the mega project as mass destruction of the environment, including marine resources.

What about Jakarta? Although Governor Fauzi Bowo and his predecessor believe the North Coast plan will eventually be environmentally friendly and bring prosperity to the city, what is evident as of now is the rapid growth of apartment and housing construction for the upper class of society.

Jakarta, however, can learn much from South Korea’s success in restoring the Han River, Nakdong River, Geum River and Yeongsan River in providing water security, including during long droughts in the spring and winter seasons, and to control flooding, especially during the summer. The project also helps in securing the supply of drinking water for Seoul and other cities.

The five-year project started in July 2009 and will cost about US$18.5 billion.

Jakarta has completed the East Flood Canal (BKT) in addition to the West Flood Canal. Several foreign governments, such as the Netherlands, have offered their knowledge and capital to help Jakarta in dealing with floods that seem to be continually worsening. The South Korean government can be another source of assistance. But does the Jakarta governor have the necessary sense of urgency to address the city’s flood problems?