Building a resilient North Jakarta: Integrating social preferences for effective adaptation and mitigation strategy in the climate change era

Abstract

The northern part of Jakarta, Indonesia, has been grappling with recurring floods due to climate change, affecting residents’ lives and livelihoods. Sea level rise, land subsidence, and increased precipitation increase the risk of river flooding. While the government has implemented physical flood mitigation measures, these alone are insufficient due to climate uncertainty. This 2017 study assesses socio-cultural risks in northern Jakarta and community preferences for climate change adaptation strategies. The study was conducted in 2017 and the study’s insights remain relevant to contributed as one of the scientific basis for the statutory planning of Jakarta to build the social resilience. Employing qualitative approaches, it collected data at mezzo and micro levels. Findings show that households adopt various private and public mitigation-adaptation measures. Most prefer elevating household items to higher ground (62.9%), while 44% favor maintaining the local drainage system and improving pumping facilities. However, 62% resist relocating to vertical houses, fearing job loss or increased expenses. Only 13% express willingness to relocate voluntarily for more comfortable housing. This resistance stems from the apprehension that such relocation might negatively impact their overall welfare, either by jeopardizing their employment opportunities or by increasing their monthly expenditures.