'N. Jakarta reclamation may cause flood'

State Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim warned on Monday that the reclamation of the sea and coastal land in North Jakarta may cause flooding in the city.

"Reclamation will not only create a barrier for sea water to reach land, but it will also establish a virtual basin that will prevent freshwater runoff from reaching the sea".

"Should this happen, Jakarta will experience additional flooding," he told reporters after a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing among others, Science, Energy and Environment.

Therefore, he said, before reclamation continues, the development of West and East Flood Canals and the connection between Ciliwung and Cisadane rivers must be completed to avoid future flooding.

Nabiel also underlined the need of the environmental impact assessment (Amdal), which has not been completed.

Isa Karmisa Ardiputra, a deputy minister for the Management of Environmental Impact said the Amdal still needed to consider two factors: the source of sand to reclaim the land and to build the barrier; and the impact of flooding. "We expect Amdal will be finished in the next few months," he said.

Jakarta is planning to reclaim 2,500 hectares of the sea and 2,700 of coastal land in North Jakarta.

The Jakarta Waterfront Management Board claimed that the 32- kilometer long project was a significant attempt to improve the economic and environmental conditions in the area. -- JP