From the Semarang incident, we have come to understand that infrastructure, no matter how good it is, is not the only answer to tidal flooding.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
KOMPAS
Rob and the burst embankment triggered flooding at Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang, Central Java.
The high tidal waves that hit Semarang, Central Java, on Monday (23/5/2022) was very surprising. Thousands of people were even told to evacuate their homes on the coast of Semarang.
In addition to Semarang, tidal waves, known locally as rob, also hit a number of other coastal regions in Central Java, such as Tegal, Pekalongan, Demak, Pati, to Rembang. The tidal flooding was severe in Semarang because the seawall collapsed.
Although it was surprising, the unusually high tide along the northern coast of Java had been forecast. This time, the extreme tide was triggered by the perigee, or when the moon is at its closest point to Earth. However, climate change and global warming are generally playing a greater role in causing tidal flooding.
On Friday, 20 Aug. 2021, Kompas published a report titled “Cities that will be Submerged in the Future”. In addition to providing data on tidal waves, the report also contained important information collected from various coastlines in Indonesia. Not all people in coastal areas are optimistic about their future.
However, Semarang became submerged because its embankment, which was built to protect the city from high tides, had collapsed.
Based on a Kompas study, of the 21 provincial capitals located on the coast of Indonesia, only Semarang, Jakarta and Surabaya are prepared for tidal flooding. However, Semarang became submerged because its embankment, which was built to protect the city from high tides, had collapsed.
From the Semarang incident, we have come to understand that infrastructure, no matter how good it is, is not the only answer to tidal flooding. Sea barriers obviously have the potential to rupture. Thus, other alternatives must be considered, whether by cultivating coastal areas or implementing a new spatial plan that gives greater space for tidal waves to "explore" the coast.
DOKUMENTASI ALISA QOTTRUN
A number of residents evacuate their vehicles that were trapped by the tidal flood in the Tanjung Emas Port Container Terminal area, Semarang, Central Java, Tuesday (24/5/2022).
Just building an embankment or a seawall is, of course, not enough without finding a solution to reduce the exploitation of groundwater. Because, according to research, land subsidence is continuing to occur on the northern coast of Java due to excessive use of groundwater.
If we want Indonesia’s coastal cities to not sink, serious steps must be taken to mitigate climate change and global warming. Efforts to rehabilitate coal mines should not only involve coastal communities, but all people in this country. As ordinary citizens, for example, we can start by reducing our energy use, such as by using electric vehicles.
The settlements are even designed to be powered by solar energy and other sustainable energy sources.
Other countries have even thought about building settlements that can adapt to rising sea levels. These adaptive settlements can float in line with the rise and fall of sea levels. The settlements are even designed to be powered by solar energy and other sustainable energy sources.
Indonesia’s research agencies and educational institutions must focus on developing innovations that can be applied immediately to ease the burden on coastal residents. Our coasts must be saved as soon
as possible. This has been long awaited by residents who are suffering more and more every day due to the sinking coasts.
(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi).
