Flood risks propel Jakarta neighborhood’s fight against climate change

The area around RW3 Cempaka Putih Timur, Jakarta, is filled with plants, bringing a sense of comfort around the area. 22 Agustus 2024 (nsh)

by: Nabiha Shahab

Flooding has become a constant and destructive threat in the densely populated neighbourhood of East Cempaka Putih in Jakarta. In 1996 and 2006, severe floods ravaged parts of the area, leaving water stagnant for days and causing extensive damage. “The flooding could reach up to a meter, even entering homes,” recalled Adian Sudiana, a lifelong resident of neighbourhood unit 3 (RW3).

Along the river in East Cempaka Putih, Jakarta, protective plants and fruit trees are planted. August 22, 2024 (nsh)

In response to these disasters, the local government intervened by building a concrete barrier along the river and deepening the riverbed. Though this “normalisation” effort displaced the fruit and vegetable plants that once grew along the riverbank, the community quickly took action to restore the lost greenery. “At the end of 2016, we started planting again,” Adian said. “Now it’s starting to look like a forest along the riverbank, planting protective plants and fruit trees. We also plant vegetables using hydroponics.”

Introducing infiltration wells in 2020 was another crucial step in reducing flood risk during Jakarta’s frequent heavy rains. “We’ve installed wells, some as deep as 40 meters, to manage rainwater. Now, water doesn’t stay long, and the riverbank flooding has reduced dramatically,” Adian explained.

Infiltration wells were built around the area, greatly reducing water overflow during the rainy season and overcoming flooding. August 22, 2024 (nsh)

Despite these efforts, the neighbourhood still grapples with climate-related challenges. Adian, who has witnessed the changing seasons and rising temperatures, said, “I was born here. I know this location. The rainy season, the dry season—it’s no longer predictable like in the 80s. It gets worse every year as the temperature rises.”

Since 2014, RW3 has been part of Indonesia’s Climate Village Program (ProKlim), a national initiative encouraging local communities to adapt to and actively mitigate and adapt to climate change. But long before joining ProKlim, residents were already pursuing sustainability initiatives. “Before ProKlim, we had activities here,” Adian noted. “In the past, the average house had a patch of land for a garden. But now, the land is disappearing as more homes are built. We still find ways to plant, even if it’s just in pots.”

In the neighbourhood, residents have created a green oasis in the unlikeliest places. “There is one alley that feels like a forest in the middle of a residential area,” Adian said with pride. The community’s greening efforts extend beyond aesthetics—they have become a form of climate adaptation.

Waste management has also been a significant focus for RW3. “We started sorting waste back in 2006,” Adian said. “It wasn’t easy, but our team had to set an example. We work closely with the government and other parties.” By 2021, the community work with the municipal government to sort organic waste.

“Every morning at 9.30 am, organic waste that has been collected in dedicated spots is picked up for processing,” Adian said, adding that before 2021, the community was already used to sorting and composting their organic waste.

Adian Sudiana tending to vegetables grown using hydroponic techniques. August 22, 2024 (nsh)

The organic waste is taken to a nearby maggot bioconversion plant, managed by the local government, reducing the amount of waste sent to Bantar Gebang, Jakarta’s main landfill, by 400 kilograms daily.

However, challenges remain. Seawater intrusion has affected groundwater, forcing residents to rely on the municipal water system for daily use and adapt their planting methods. “We’re using bamboo to retain water and grow crops without groundwater,” Adian shared.

RW3’s multifaceted approach to addressing climate change—from flood mitigation and reforestation to waste management and innovative planting techniques—demonstrates their resilience and determination. “Public awareness is still growing, and it’s not always easy,” Adian admitted. “But through ProKlim, we’re proving that local communities can make a real difference in fighting climate change.”

This neighborhood in Cempaka Putih Timur stands as a testament to how local communities, with dedication and persistence, can transform themselves into models of environmental sustainability, even in the face of mounting climate challenges.

Banner photo: Adian Sudiana, resident of RW3 Cempaka Putih Timur, Jakarta, and environmental activist. August 22, 2024 (nsh)

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