This article will the main causes of the real and present crisis and the “bitter pill” solutions that must be adopted to ensure an optimum living and operating environment for citizens, institutions and businesses.

Collectively, Jakarta and the major satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi contribute around 19 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP). They also account for a substantial population of around 31 million, or roughly 11 percent of the nation’s total population, and 20 percent of its urban population. Jakarta is one of the world’s storied cities and it is the seat of political, economic and institutional power in Indonesia. It hosts many universities, hospitals, embassies, the stock exchange, head offices of domestic, multinational companies and banks apart from the millions of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Since independence, it has been the main driver of wealth creation for Indonesia which cannot progress without securing the long-term survival of its ibu kota (capital city).

Without Jakarta’s survival and well-being, Indonesia cannot achieve its aspirations of consistent growth, shared prosperity, the realization of demographic dividends and emergence out of the “middle-income trap”. Yet quite inexplicably and inexcusably Jakarta is experiencing a state of abandonment, which is a terrible state of being whether inflicted by employers, family, friends or policymakers. Specifically in the case of Greater Jakarta a Sustainability Blueprint has been developed, debated, socialized and is being holistically implemented. While dozens of seminars and study tours have taken place and some initiatives have been announced, in totality these are seen to be inadequate and disjointed given the scale and urgency of the issues. The region’s Sustainability Diagnostic highlights six major issues that need urgent attention by all stakeholders.

First, the complex geography of the area exacerbated by excessive and unchecked urbanization has made it highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Specifically, these include rising sea levels, coastal erosion, erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged periods of flooding. By some estimates, more than a third of Jakarta is already below sea level and classified as high risk.

Second, based on topography and soil conditions, cities have a finite load-bearing capacity that needs to be scientifically assessed and respected by urban planners, builders and regulators. With close to 5,000 large complexes already developed, apart from the millions of housing units, heavy infrastructure and many other projects already licensed, the load-bearing capacity of the city has long been busted. Annual sinking rates of between 10 and 28 centimeters have been recorded in different parts of the city. 

Third, natural water flows and levels in Greater Jakarta have been seriously hampered by irresponsible human actions. The 13 key rivers in the area have seen their courses altered and blocked by construction on river beds, dying mangroves and the nearly 8000 tonnes of waste generated per day that is yet to be fully and efficiently managed. The hundreds of thousands of borewells that have been dug to meet drinking water and household needs have depleted groundwater levels significantly.

Fourth, decades-long neglect of public transportation, long commutes and easy availability of vehicle financing has meant that the region now has around 28 million vehicles (cars, motorcycles and others). These are fossil fuels based and plans to switch them to electric vehicles (EVs) will take time and tough policy actions that could be unpopular. The obvious solution of developing a comprehensive and integrated public transportation system including the MRT, LRT and Bus Rapid Transit has not been achieved. There is no clarity or urgency on the implementation of future phases to get ahead of the problem.

Fifth, pollution levels in Jakarta have been rising due to vehicular, industrial and construction emissions and the city was ranked the 12th worst polluted in the world and the most polluted in the ASEAN region by IQAir in 2021. Were it not for the natural cleansing provided by the Java Sea and frequent rainfall, the city would have mirrored the alarming pollution metrics of New Delhi which lacks both these natural blessings. Polluted cities cannot have healthy citizens and productive working environments and they steadily drag national development indicators down.

Sixth, the Indonesian archipelago is justifiably famed for its beautiful and green, albeit substantially deforested, habitat. While other parts of Java, other big islands and especially remote destinations still enchant visitors with stunning views, the citizens of Jakarta have to make do with few parks, green patches and “car-free” Sunday morning cycling, exercising and walking on hot tarred roads amid the claustrophobic concrete jungle of the central business district. 

The Sustainability Blueprint for Jakarta must address the above six core issues in a comprehensive, integrated and time-bound manner. The second part of this article will examine solutions in the works such as the development of the new capital city Nusantara in East Kalimantan, the sea wall, EVs, congestion taxes, business circularity requirements and others. One of the great cities of the world deserves caring and repair not abandonment and damage.  

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The writer is the CEO of EmergingWISE Strategic Advisory and Management Consulting Group.

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