Urban Flood Risk Management: Looking at Jakarta

The book explores the historical challenges of flooding in Jakarta, Indonesia, from the colonial era to the early years of the Indonesian republic. It assesses the city's water management practices and highlights the deficiencies that have led to approximately 40% of the city being below sea level. The book is a valuable resource for researchers interested in urbanization, sustainable development, urban and planning history, environmental planning, water management, and the politics of planning and development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Southeast Asia, including coastal cities like Jakarta, has faced significant challenges in managing the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding. Jakartas flood problems, dating back to the 1990s, have been monumental, highlighting the inadequacies of local and national governments in mitigating flooding. This book offers a comprehensive and systematic historical assessment of Jakartas water management practices, spanning from the colonial era to the early years of the Indonesian republic and the citys emergence as a sprawling megacity.

Drawing upon a vast multidisciplinary literature and a wealth of government documents, the book unravels the complex history of water management that has contributed to approximately 40% of the city now lying below sea level. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in urbanization in Southeast Asia, sustainable development, urban and planning history, environmental planning, water management (and flooding) issues, and the politics of planning and development.

The challenges faced by Southeast Asian coastal cities, including Jakarta, are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach. This book aims to contribute to understanding these challenges and developing effective solutions for sustainable water management in the region. By examining the historical context and practices of water management in Jakarta, the book provides valuable insights into the factors that have contributed to the current situation and offers recommendations for improving water management practices in the future.

The book is organized into five chapters, each covering a different aspect of Jakartas water management history. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the citys geography and climate, which play a crucial role in shaping its water management challenges. Chapter 2 explores the colonial era and the establishment of water management systems in Jakarta. Chapter 3 examines the transition to independence and the challenges faced by the new Indonesian government in managing water resources. Chapter 4 discusses the emergence of Jakartas megacity and the growth of its population, which have put significant strain on the citys water infrastructure. Chapter 5 concludes with a summary of the key findings and recommendations for improving water management in Jakarta.

The book draws upon a wide range of sources, including government documents, academic research, and historical records. It provides a detailed account of the historical development of water management practices in Jakarta, including the construction of dams, canals, and other infrastructure, as well as the policies and regulations that have shaped water management in the city. The book also examines the social and environmental impacts of water management practices, including the displacement of communities, the degradation of water quality, and the impact on ecosystems.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the literature on water management in Southeast Asia and beyond. By providing a comprehensive and systematic historical assessment of Jakartas water management practices, the book sheds light on the complex factors that have contributed to the citys flood problems and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving water management in the future. The book will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working in the fields of urbanization, sustainable development, environmental planning, and water management.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367774301