Misuse of NCICD Seawall Causes Leaks in North Jakarta

The North Jakarta Water Resources Agency (SDA) has discovered misuse of the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) seawall, which has been used as an illegal mooring location for boats, causing seawater seepage on Jalan Muara Baru Ujung, directly in front of the Pluit Pump House, Penjaringan Subdistrict.

“We found misuse of the NCICD seawall being used as an illegal mooring place for fishing boats,” said Head of the North Jakarta SDA Agency, Heria Suwandi, in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to him, the illegal activity adds load to the seawall structure, potentially causing damage to the seawall that functions to hold back seawater.

“This seawater seepage is suspected to originate from seawater infiltration entering through gaps in the seawall,” said Heria.

The condition is further exacerbated by the high intensity of heavy vehicles, such as trucks, that pass daily over the main pump pipeline route.

To prevent more extensive damage, he added, his agency has proposed a number of preventive measures through cross-agency coordination with relevant ministries, the SDA Agency, Bina Marga, KPKP, and the Transportation Agency in anticipating the matter.

The proposed measures include restricting vehicle tonnage passing in front of the Pluit Pump House, enforcing regulations against the use of the NCICD seawall as a boat mooring location, and carrying out permanent repairs to leak points on the seawall.

According to him, handling the seawater seepage in the area requires support and commitment from all stakeholders because the causes are quite complex, ranging from natural factors to human activity.

He also urged all parties, including the public and fishermen, to help maintain the seawall’s function properly. Collaboration from all parties is essential so that the seawall continues to function optimally as a protector of the coastal area.

“In this way, the risk of damage can be minimised and public safety can be maintained,” said Heria.