Tuban Experiences the Worst Land Subsidence in Java's North Coast Region

JAKARTA - Land subsidence in Tuban is recorded as the worst in the North Coast (Pantura) region of Java. According to data presented by the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko IPK) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), land subsidence in Tuban reaches 130 cm-150 cm over a period of two to five years. This figure is higher compared to other areas in Java’s Pantura, such as Demak at 30 cm-200 cm over one to 20 years, and Semarang at 83 cm over one to 20 years. Based on data from the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, land subsidence also occurs in several other areas in Java’s Pantura and Banten. These include Tangerang at 20 cm-50 cm over two to four years, Jakarta at 5 cm-15 cm over one to 20 years, Bekasi at 30 cm-50 cm over one to four years, and Indramayu at 10 cm-100 cm over one to 15 years. Meanwhile, Rembang and Gresik each experience land subsidence of 50 cm-100 cm over two to five years, and 15 cm-60 cm over two to five years. AHY stated that this land subsidence occurs alongside a rise in sea levels due to global warming at 0.8 cm to 1.2 cm per year. “This can be described as a twin pressure; there is a rise in sea levels. This rising sea level is also concerning due to global warming,” he said. He noted that projections of sea flooding by 2050 without mitigation will have severe impacts on the Java Pantura region, which contributes around 27 percent to the national gross domestic product (GDP). AHY also highlighted the population in the Pantura region, reaching around 55 million people across 20 regencies and five cities, with about 26 percent living in coastal areas. “Therefore, this is an urgency that we hope will drive and mobilise us all,” he emphasised.