Jakarta’s Groundwater Crisis: A Deepening Nature & Urban Emergency
Jakarta – A Rapidly Sinking Megacity
Jakarta, Indonesia’s densely populated capital of over 10 million residents (Metro ~30 million), suffers from extreme urban density and rapid building growth. This intense development has driven a surge in groundwater extraction, pushing the land subsidence rate to alarming levels—between 5 and 10 cm/year, and in some northern areas, even up to 20 cm/year.
Why Does Jakarta Rely on Groundwater?
Despite the availability of piped water, only 65% of the city is covered by PDAM (municipal water supply). As a result, many households, high-rises, and commercial centers bore wells to access groundwater, finding it more affordable and convenient than PDAM connections .
However, over-pumping has overwhelmed the natural recharge capacity of the aquifers—once buffered by forests and green spaces, now mostly covered by concrete. The imbalance between water withdrawal and replenishment has triggered a groundwater crisis.
Jakarta Groundwater Crisis Leads to Saltwater Intrusion
One of the most damaging effects of excessive groundwater use is saltwater intrusion. As aquifers near the coast empty, seawater moves in to fill the void, contaminating freshwater supplies.
In areas like Kemayoran, groundwater has become brackish and unsuitable for consumption—even though the area is not directly coastal. This can damage infrastructure, corrode pipes, and threaten urban agriculture.
Learn more about saltwater intrusion from the USGS.
Land Subsidence: Jakarta Is Sinking Fast
Another major threat caused by the Jakarta groundwater crisis is land subsidence. The ground sinks as water is removed from deep underground layers, causing buildings to tilt and increasing flood risk.
According to research from ITB, parts of North Jakarta are sinking by up to 10–20 cm per year, making it one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world. Without action, 28–30% of the city could be underwater by 2050.
Government Actions to Mitigate the Jakarta Groundwater Crisis
To address the crisis, the Indonesian government has taken steps to reduce dependence on groundwater:
- New regulations and permits for groundwater extraction
- Investment in water infrastructure projects such as SPAM Karian-Serpong and Jatiluhur I
- Construction of the Giant Sea Wall (NCICD) to prevent tidal flooding
- Efforts to relocate the capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, aiming to reduce urban pressure on Jakarta
Read more on Indonesia’s National Capital Integrated Coastal Development project.
What Can Citizens Do?
While large-scale solutions are underway, individuals can also help mitigate the crisis:
- Use water-efficient appliances
- Support and demand improved municipal water services
- Participate in rainwater harvesting and green building initiatives
- Avoid illegal or unregulated deep well drilling
Conclusion: Jakarta’s Future Depends on Urgent Water Reform
The Jakarta groundwater crisis is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human crisis affecting health, infrastructure, and the very survival of the city. Without immediate and collaborative action, Jakarta may become uninhabitable for millions in the near future.
