A new master plan is being developed to address urban issues in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city. The plan is part of the Jakarta Agglomeration Area Council and aims to improve coordination at the central government level and with neighbouring cities. Incoming vice-president Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of President Joko Widodo, is a potential candidate to lead this new authority.
The council’s main objective is to create a blueprint to tackle problems such as transportation, flooding, spatial planning, and environmental degradation in Jakarta and its surrounding areas. This blueprint will also involve coordinating with related ministries, provinces, cities, and regencies. Experts are uncertain whether the council’s formation will be enough to solve these complex issues and believe its success will depend on its leadership.
Experts highlight the importance of collaboration between Jakarta and its satellite cities and suburbs, which are located in the neighboring provinces of West Java and Banten. They point out that issues like traffic congestion, seasonal flooding, and air pollution require a joint effort among these areas. For example, addressing flooding in Jakarta may involve limiting development in upstream areas like Bogor, a regency south of Jakarta, to prevent water absorption issues.
One of the contributors to Jakarta’s frequent flooding is the overdevelopment in Bogor, which hinders the ground’s ability to absorb water. Experts suggest that limiting the construction of villas and hotels in Bogor could be a starting point to address Jakarta’s flood problems. However, Bogor officials may be reluctant to cooperate since these developments contribute significantly to the regency’s revenue. This highlights the need for effective coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders to address urban challenges effectively.
With the right leadership and collaborative efforts, the Jakarta Agglomeration Area Council could be instrumental in finding sustainable solutions to the city’s urban issues. By involving related ministries, provinces, and cities in the planning and implementation process, the council has the potential to address transportation, flooding, spatial planning, and environmental degradation in a comprehensive manner. Ensuring that satellite cities and suburbs are actively involved in these efforts will be crucial to achieving long-term success in improving the quality of life in Jakarta and its surrounding regions.
