Flooding and displacement in the wake of the Indonesian disaster

This tragic event is the latest in a series of severe floods across Indonesia, a country grappling with the growing impacts of climate change. In Jakarta, parts of the city are sinking by up to eight inches per year due to a combination of rising sea levels and excessive groundwater extraction. Floodwaters frequently submerge entire neighbourhoods, forcing residents to navigate waist-deep water to reach their homes. Faced with these escalating risks, the Indonesian government has embarked on an ambitious plan to relocate the nation’s capital from Jakarta to a new site deep in the jungles of Borneo. This move aims to escape the constant threat of flooding and subsidence that threatens the future of the city.

The relocation effort raises complex challenges around community displacement, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. Relocation is costly, disruptive, and often traumatic for affected communities, fracturing social networks and livelihoods. Moreover, as climate impacts intensify worldwide, many cities and regions will face similar threats, making mass displacement an unfeasible strategy for managing flood risk at scale.

There is a clear argument therefore, for governments, communities and organizations to prioritize better prediction, preparedness, and prevention. Investing in advanced flood forecasting systems, restoring natural floodplains and wetlands, and building resilient infrastructure can reduce the human and economic costs of flooding. Equally important is integrating climate risk into urban planning and ensuring there is proper support for the most vulnerable populations.

Indonesia’s experience underscores that while managed retreat may be necessary in some cases, the future lies in proactive, inclusive approaches that minimize displacement and safeguard communities before disaster strikes.