Illegal water pumps are sucking up groundwater in Jakarta faster than it can be replenished, a study has found, raising fears that the capital could run out of water within a decade.
The study, by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), found that there are now at least 9,000 illegal water pumps in Jakarta, up from 6,000 in 2012.
Most of the pumps are owned by businesses and are used to irrigate golf courses, flower farms and other commercial ventures.
“The rapid depletion of groundwater is very worrying and could lead to a water crisis in Jakarta within the next 10 years,” said Aditya Wardhana, a water resources expert at Walhi.
“If this trend continues, the city will not have enough water to meet the needs of its residents and businesses.”
The study found that the amount of groundwater being sucked up by the illegal pumps is equivalent to the amount of water that would be used by 1.5 million people in a year.
It also said that the rapid depletion of groundwater was causing the ground to sink by up to 10 cent in some areas of the city.
Jakarta is already facing a water crisis, with the supply failing to meet the needs of the city’s 10 million residents.
This is partly due to the rapid growth of the city, but is also a result of the rampant misuse of water resources.
More than half of Jakarta’s water supply is being wasted through illegal connections, faulty infrastructure and the over-pumping of groundwater.
In an effort to address the water crisis, the government has announced a range of measures, including the construction of new water reservoirs and the installation of water-saving devices in homes and businesses.
It has also pledged to crack down on the misuse of water resources.
But Aditya Wardhana of Walhi said the government needed to do more to stop the rapid depletion of groundwater.
“The government must take urgent action to halt the over-pumping of groundwater and to crack down on the owners of illegal water pumps,” he said.
“If it doesn’t, Jakarta will run out of water within the next 10 years.”
Contents
What is the biggest problem in Jakarta?
What is the biggest problem in Jakarta?
There are many problems in Jakarta, but the biggest one is traffic congestion. The roads in Jakarta are not wide enough to accommodate the number of cars, and the traffic is always backed up. The other problems in Jakarta include air pollution, noise pollution, and a lack of clean water.
How much is Jakarta sinking a year?
Jakarta is sinking at a rate of around 5.5 inches (14 cm) each year, and some parts of the city are now below sea level. The main reason for this is the over-extraction of groundwater, which is causing the city’s soft soil to compress. If the trend continues, large parts of Jakarta could be underwater by 2030.
Jakarta’s vulnerability to flooding is well known, and the city has been hit by several major floods in recent years. The most recent one, in January 2017, affected more than 200,000 people and caused $700 million in damage. The floods were exacerbated by the fact that Jakarta is sinking, and the combination of sinking and flooding could be a major problem in the future.
There are a number of efforts underway to address Jakarta’s sinking problem. The government has been working on a plan to reduce groundwater extraction, and there are also plans to build a new capital city, which would take some of the pressure off Jakarta. However, these plans are still in the early stages, and it will take many years to implement them.
In the meantime, Jakarta’s residents will have to live with the risk of flooding and the ongoing sinking of their city.
What is the fastest sinking city in the world?
The fastest sinking city in the world is Venice, Italy. The city is sinking at a rate of about 2 millimeters per year, and it is estimated that it will be completely underwater by the year 2100. Venice is sinking because its foundation is made of soft, compressible clay that is slowly eroding away. In addition, the city is constantly being flooded by high tides, which causes the clay to become even more compressed.
There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent Venice from sinking, including installing floodgates to keep the water out, building a new foundation made of harder material, and relocating the population to higher ground. However, these measures are costly and may not be enough to save the city in the long run.
The sinking of Venice is a major concern for the city’s residents and its government. If nothing is done, the city could soon become a ghost town, and its unique cultural heritage will be lost forever.
What has Jakarta done to stop flooding?
Jakarta has been fighting a losing battle against floods for years. The city is built on a swamp, and the combination of poor drainage, bad planning, and clogged waterways means that Jakarta is constantly being inundated. In 2013, the city was hit by some of the worst floods in its history, with more than 70% of the capital underwater.
In the aftermath of the 2013 floods, the Jakarta government launched a series of initiatives to try and address the problem. These have included the construction of new reservoirs, the dredging of waterways, and the installation of better flood defences.
However, the floods continue to wreak havoc on the city. In January 2017, Jakarta was hit by a major flood that left dozens of people dead and displaced thousands of others.
So, what has Jakarta done to try and stop the floods? And why is the city still struggling to cope with this problem?
One of the main problems facing Jakarta is its location. The city is built on a swamp, and the combination of poor drainage, bad planning, and clogged waterways means that Jakarta is constantly being inundated.
In the past, the Jakarta government has tried to address this problem by building new reservoirs. In 2013, for example, the government inaugurated the Jatiluhur reservoir, which was designed to store excess water and prevent it from overflowing into the city.
However, the Jatiluhur reservoir has not been effective in stopping the floods. In January 2017, for example, the reservoir was filled to capacity but the floods still occurred.
The main reason for this is that the Jatiluhur reservoir is not able to handle the volume of water that is being discharged into it. The Jakarta government is currently trying to address this problem by constructing a new, larger reservoir.
The Jakarta government has also been trying to address the problem of flooding by dredging waterways and installing better flood defences.
In 2016, for example, the government began dredging the Ciliwung River, which is one of the main waterways that runs through Jakarta. The aim of this project is to improve the flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding.
The Jakarta government has also been installing flood defences in key areas of the city. In 2013, for example, the government began constructing a series of dykes and embankments along the banks of the Ciliwung River.
However, these initiatives have not been effective in stopping the floods. In January 2017, for example, the dykes and embankments broke down under the weight of the water, allowing the river to flood into the city.
So why is Jakarta still struggling to cope with the problem of flooding?
There are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, the Jakarta government has been unable to address the underlying causes of the flooding. The city is built on a swamp, and the combination of poor drainage, bad planning, and clogged waterways means that the floods are inevitable.
Secondly, the Jakarta government has been unable to implement its initiatives effectively. The dredging of waterways has not been effective in reducing the risk of flooding, and the installation of flood defences has been hampered by a lack of funds.
Thirdly, the Jakarta government has been unable to coordinate its efforts effectively. The various agencies involved in tackling the problem of flooding have not been working together effectively, and this has resulted in a lack of coordination and communication.
Finally, the Jakarta government has been unable to win the support of the public. The majority of Jakartans do not believe that the government is doing enough to address the problem
What are the three biggest problems Jakarta faces?
The Indonesian capital of Jakarta is home to over 10 million people and suffers from some of the worst traffic congestion in the world. Aside from the traffic, Jakarta also has serious air pollution and flooding problems.
The first problem is the traffic congestion. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Jakarta has the worst traffic congestion in the world. In 2016, the average driver spent 107 hours in traffic jams, which is more than any other city in the world. The congestion is caused by the city’s narrow streets, lack of public transportation, and rapid growth in population.
The second problem is the air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) has named Jakarta as the most polluted city in the world. The pollution is caused by the city’s traffic, industry, and waste management. The air is so polluted that it has caused a public health crisis, with over 1 million people dying each year from air pollution-related illnesses.
The third problem is the flooding. Jakarta is located in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding. The floods are caused by the city’s poor drainage system, heavy rains, and the melting of snow and glaciers in the mountains. The floods have caused serious damage to the city, killed hundreds of people, and displaced millions of people.
Is Jakarta the most polluted city in the world?
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and, according to a study published in September 2017, it is also the most polluted city in the world. The study, conducted by Greenpeace, found that the air quality in Jakarta was six times worse than the safe limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The main sources of air pollution in Jakarta are vehicle emissions, construction works, and the burning of coal and other fuels. The city’s traffic congestion is a major contributing factor to the high levels of air pollution, as the fumes from vehicles are trapped in the city’s narrow streets.
The pollution in Jakarta is a major health hazard, and it is estimated that it causes more than 22,000 premature deaths each year. The pollution also causes a wide range of health problems, such as respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer.
The Indonesian government has taken some steps to address the air pollution in Jakarta, such as introducing a ban on the use of open fires in the city, but more needs to be done to improve the air quality in the city. In order to reduce the levels of air pollution, the government needs to invest in public transport, promote the use of electric vehicles, and crackdown on the burning of coal and other fuels.
Is Jakarta safe for tourists?
Is Jakarta safe for tourists?
This is a question that is often asked, and there is no easy answer. Jakarta is a big city, and like any big city, it has its share of crime. However, there are also plenty of areas that are safe for tourists, and with a bit of common sense, you can stay safe while enjoying your time in Jakarta.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the overall crime rate in Jakarta is high, violent crime is actually quite rare. So, as long as you take precautions against petty crime, you should be safe.
Some of the areas of Jakarta that are considered to be most safe for tourists are the Central Business District, the Kuningan area, and the Menteng area. These areas are generally well-policed and are home to many upmarket hotels and restaurants.
However, even in these areas, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions against street crime. Be especially cautious when travelling at night, and avoid carrying large sums of money or wearing jewellery.
If you’re looking for a more authentic Indonesian experience, there are also plenty of areas of Jakarta that are safe to explore. Just be sure to do your research before venturing into any areas that you’re not familiar with, and always travel with a friend if possible.
Overall, Jakarta is a safe city for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and to take precautions against petty crime. With a bit of common sense, you should be able to enjoy your time in Jakarta without any problems.