Launch of Policy Briefs Dealing with Greater Jakarta Floods in Times of Climate Change
Press release: Friday, 10 September 2021 - 10.00-12.00 CET/15:00-17:00 WIB
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Due to concerns over the massive flooding in the Jakarta area, a group of researchers and multidisciplinary professionals in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague held a focus group discussion (FGD) at the end of February 2020. As a follow-up to the FGD, a series of relevant policy briefs, based on the latest knowledge about flooding in the Jakarta area in the context of climate change, have been made. The policy briefs provide insights that can be used by policymakers and decision-makers in the relevant sector, encourage the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform in the context of bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Indonesia and encourage public debate on this important topic. 40 researchers and professionals representing 30 institutions from the Netherlands and Indonesia have made 6 (six) interrelated policy briefs. The policy briefs are initiated and published by TYK research and action consulting - The Netherlands, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University - The Netherlands, Taskforce Liveable Cities IDN-NL, and Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) / National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BRIN).
The launch event on September 10, 2021, was opened by Yanti Kusumanto, MSc from TYK research and action consulting on behalf of the initiators. His Excellency the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mr. Mayerfas, emphasized in his speech that these policy briefs are timely because the consequences of climate change are seen all over the world. Indonesia is no exception, which as an archipelagic country is more vulnerable to rising sea levels and the increasing frequency of natural disasters. Indonesia and the Netherlands have a long tradition of cooperation. The Netherlands' expertise in water management makes the Netherlands an important partner in dealing with floods, especially in the Jakarta area.
His Excellency the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Mr. L. Grijns provided examples of recent Dutch contributions to flood management in Jakarta, such as the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD) and successful flood management projects such as Building with Nature in Demak, Indonesia, and Room for the River in the Netherlands.
Former Minister of the Environment (1993-1998) Mr. Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, stated that effective communication and involvement of all stakeholders is very important. Overcoming the effects of climate disasters that are getting worse requires good emergency response management. This is where scientists and researchers are expected to play an important role. Representatives from the authors of 6 (six) policy briefs provided explanations and recommendations for flood management strategies for Jakarta and surrounding areas.
The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion with approximately 160 participants moderated by Dr. Annisa Triyanti from the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University on behalf of the initiators. The main conclusions from the discussion are: 1) there is a need for better integration of mitigation and adaptation measures which should be implemented simultaneously in good cooperation; 2) Improvement in all sectors and various levels (government, private, academic) is very important in this regard. As well as the importance of addressing various problems in an effective way; 3) taking contextual steps and focusing on transformation.
The webinar ended with a video of the launch of policy briefs moderated by Wiwi Tjiook, MSc from Taskforce Liveable Cities, IDN NL on behalf of the initiators. Special remarks were delivered by Professor Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, Deputy of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) 2015-2021/National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BRIN).
Source: IDN Liveable Cities
