Relocation of residents on the banks of the pluit reservoir and its impact on the level of community vulnerability

Abstract

Background: Flooding, particularly tidal flooding, has become a major environmental threat to coastal cities around the world, including Jakarta, Indonesia. North Jakarta, which directly borders the Java Sea, is one of the most flood-prone areas, with high vulnerability due to climate change, land subsidence, and unplanned urban settlement. This study focuses on the Pluit area, historically a water retention zone, which has undergone significant transformation in its spatial and social structure. Methods: This study employs a qualitative approach based on a literature review and secondary data analysis. It investigates the dynamics of community vulnerability in North Jakarta, with a special focus on the impact of relocation from the banks of the Pluit Reservoir to Rusunawa Muara Baru. The research also compares social, economic, and environmental conditions before and after the relocation process to assess changes in flood risk and resilience. Findings: The relocation program around the Pluit Reservoir has contributed significantly to reducing community vulnerability to flood risk. Compared to previous major flood events in 2002 and 2015, the Pluit area experienced minimal flooding during the Jakarta flash flood in early 2020, despite the area being 4 meters below sea level. The restored function of Pluit as a "Ponder" area with reinforced embankments has proven effective in controlling water intrusion. However, projections indicate that sea-level rise will submerge large parts of North Jakarta by 2050. Conclusion: Integrating spatial planning, historical water infrastructure restoration, and social relocation strategies can effectively reduce urban flood risk. Nonetheless, long-term sustainability is threatened by climate change-driven sea-level rise. Multi-sectoral adaptation strategies are urgently needed to secure the future of low-lying urban coastal areas. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the effectiveness of combining historical water infrastructure concepts with modern relocation strategies in mitigating urban flood risk, offering a localized yet scalable model for other flood-prone coastal cities.