Floating neighbourhood to anticipate Jakarta flooding

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to offer alternative design solutions for the Kampung Muara Baru residence in Jakarta. Rapid groundwater extraction, population growth, infrastructure and construction development is causing land subsidence at an alarming rate. Thus, the capital city of Indonesia is on constant alert of potential flooding. Jakarta municipal government set policies under the Jakarta Coastal Defence Strategy to mitigate flood and urban planning. One of the major acts is the construction of the giant sea wall along the northern coast of Jakarta. However, the already built sea wall structure is showing signs of failing and cracking because the subsidence continues. In the meantime, report is saying the residence of Muara Baru still continue to experience flooding. The residents still have to raise the structure of their houses anyway possible to cope with the raising of the flood level. The finding suggests that vernacular, under the umbrella of sustainable and environmentally friendly (green design) should be considered as a better strategy towards the flooding disaster as it embraces nature to solve environmental issues and degradation.