Future flood management strategies in Indonesia

Abstract

Rapid developments in the catchments, such as deforestation and loss of swamp areas, and in the city, such us sealing off unpaved areas have resulted in higher runoff and deteriorated the river’s conveyance capacity. Critical flooding conditions occur in the city, particularly during heavy rainfall and high tidal flow. Inundation can be characterized as river, tidal, flash and urban flood. A number of flood defense measures have been implemented, designed for return periods of 15 to 50 years, and nonstructural measures within communities who live in flood-prone areas. However, strategies consisting of both structural and nonstructural measures should be developed, upgrade current flood defense practices in Indonesia to a higher safety level, complying with a return period of 50 to 100 years. An integrated and holistic approach is necessary to find solutions for flood management problems in Indonesia. Besides, a regional Water Resources Management plan should be developed, taking into account both flooding and water scarcity issues. The study at hand describes various flood management strategies, each compiled on the basis of different starting points, such as structural measures, non-structural measures, environmental considerations, etc. The implementation of strategies, or separate measures, should focus on priorities for areas most frequently affected. On the short term, efficiency and low-cost measures should be implemented, such as flood forecasting and early warming and flood proofing. In addition, planning of mid and long-term measures should commence on short notice. In the mid-term, larger scale and sustainable measures should be implemented in order to reach a safe level with return periods of 50 to 100 years in the future. Finally, however involving stakeholders and the local communities in planning, development, and implementation of strategies and measures are of utmost importance.