WRI: Flood Mitigation Approach in Jakarta Must Incorporate Natural Factors

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia has stated that the flood mitigation approach in Jakarta and its supporting regions (Bodetabek) should shift from solely draining water as quickly and extensively as possible to retaining water as much as possible in a gradual manner. “It can shift from an approach of draining water to an approach of retaining water as much as possible, gradually from upstream to downstream by involving natural factors or processes. Ultimately, this approach will be more effective,” said WRI Indonesia Research Specialist Yudhistira Pribadi during a discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday. The approach in question promotes the concept of optimising the use of nature (Nature-based Solutions/NbS). Yudhistira explained that this approach also considers the location of the areas, namely upstream, midstream, and downstream. For example, in upstream river areas, a landscape restoration approach with open green spaces such as multifunctional parks is more suitable for implementation there. Meanwhile, in midstream areas, such as Depok, Bogor, and surroundings, artificial ponds or retention basins combined with multifunctional parks will be more beneficial. In denser downstream areas, an approach combining artificial ponds or retention with multifunctional parks would be more appropriate. “For instance, in Jakarta, there are already flood pumps, combined with river embankments and multifunctional parks. This can be more effective for increasing temporary water storage capacity and complementing various existing flood control infrastructures,” Yudhistira clarified. On the other hand, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is gradually designing reservoirs, weirs, or situ that not only store water to reduce flood discharge in the capital but also function as open green spaces or public areas. The reservoirs are designed by applying a water management approach that integrates natural ecosystems with man-made infrastructure, making them more adaptive to environmental changes (nature-based solutions). For example, planting vegetation along reservoir edges and creating multifunctional parks. Several reservoirs with NbS concepts, although not yet perfect, include Waduk Brigif, Waduk Aseni, Waduk Lebak Bulus, and Waduk Pondok Ranggon. Additionally, several reservoirs still under construction, such as Waduk Batu Bangkong, Waduk Bambu Hitam, Waduk Giri Kencana, and Waduk Lapangan Merah, are also heading towards the NbS concept.