Indonesia’s largest city and capital Jakarta sinking faster than Venice — What’s causing it?

Indonesia’s Capital Jakarta Sinks at Alarming Rate, Surpassing Venice (Image: Canva)

Jakarta, the largest city and capital of Indonesia, is sinking at an alarming speed, new reports warn. The city faces severe subsidence risks in coming decades. Scientists say parts of the capital may soon vanish. The crisis raises urgent concerns for millions living there.

Jakarta sinks between 1 and 15 cm yearly. Some neighbourhoods are sinking even faster according to surveys. Venice sinks nearly 0.08 inches each year instead. This difference shows Jakarta’s far more dramatic decline. Nearly 40% already lies below current sea level. Experts say the city may face danger by 2030. Many link the sinking to rapid human activities locally. Heavy groundwater extraction drains vital aquifers below ground.

The soil compacts when water reserves drop significantly. Soft delta land collapses under this continued pressure. Large buildings and roads weigh down unstable surfaces. Urban expansion spreads across fragile coastal plains quickly. Rising seas then combine with coastal subsidence problems. The dual effect magnifies flood threats across the city.

Scientists warn that many districts may flood permanently. High tides may push seawater inland very easily. Heavy rains may turn homes into waterlogged sites. Infrastructure across the capital may suffer continual damage. Roads, houses and drainage may weaken under stress.

Severe failures may reduce habitable land for residents. Many fear large migrations may follow soon enough. Relocation talks have begun among policymakers already. Officials also study stronger coastal defence options urgently. Some suggest redirecting development away from sinking sectors. Others seek stricter rules on water extraction practices.

Researchers say Jakarta reflects a broader global pattern today. Many coastal cities are sinking faster than sea levels. Data shows subsidence exceeding 2 cm yearly in Asia. This rate is nearly ten times global sea-level growth. Urban areas built on soft deltas remain highly vulnerable. Planners warn development must match sustainable water use.

Aquifers must be protected through regulated extraction methods. Replenishment programmes may help restore groundwater over time. Stronger building rules could reduce soil stress effectively. Resilient infrastructure may slow long-term damage significantly. Jakarta now shows the cost of unmanaged urban growth. Experts say timely action may still limit deeper losses.