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nvironmental experts have predicted that Jakarta may suffer seawater intrusion in 10 years should the administration fail to take preemptive measures.

'€œCurrently, seawater intrusion has reached Lapangan Banteng square in Central Jakarta and Blok M in South Jakarta. The administration should control the number of artesian wells and restore mangrove plants along the coast of Jakarta. Otherwise, in 10 to 15 years, Jakarta will face a groundwater scarcity,'€ Cecep Kusmana, head of the Environment and Natural Resources Management study program with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), said on Wednesday.

He said the condition may also affect the structure of high rises because the metal used in the
construction of the building foundation would be corroded.

The uncontrolled use of groundwater for household and industrial purposes is blamed for the sinking of Jakarta. According to Cecep, the subsidence has reached 7 centimeters per year.

The IPB'€™s landscape management program head, Hadi Susilo Arifin, suggested the administration equip the city with more blue open spaces (RTB) such as lakes and dams.

'€œThe administrations of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi and Cianjur should contain more rainwater in lakes and dams, and not only rely on green open space,'€ he said.

He added that almost all developers reclaimed or reduced the volume of blue open space due to houses and commercial premises.

'€œWhat people don'€™t realize is that the lakes or dams are actually represent added value for housing complexes because they give a beautiful view and better air,'€ Hadi said.