Indonesia Needs to Put More Investments for Flood Management

Netral News 25 Oct 17;

Study conducted by Grundfos and Research of Eco-Business on investments to manage floods.
JAKARTA, NETRALNEWS.COM - Approximately 86 percent of cross-sectional sustainability practitioners in Indonesia believe extreme weather and climate change can have a significant impact on the country's economy.

The statement is the result of a study conducted by global leaders in pumping solutions, Grundfos, and Research from Eco-Business, a sustainability-focused social company, entitled 'Flood Controls in Southeast Asia'. The study surveyed 417 sustainability industry leaders in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Climate change and rising global temperatures are expected to have an impact on sea level and rainfall intensity, creating serious problems for the tropics such as Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

Based on the report of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in 2070, major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Palembang, Surabaya and Makassar are projected to lose assets totaling $453 billion caused by bad weather such as floods where Jakarta itself is estimated to experience a loss of $321 billion.

The results also reinforce the data by stating that 60 percent of respondents believe Indonesia will face far more extreme weather and climate conditions in the next decade.

A total of 46-48 percent of respondents also feel that Indonesia has not effectively equip itself to face climate change nor allocate adequate resources and funding to reduce the threat of the disaster.

Tim Hill, Research Director at Eco-Business Research, said, "According to the respondents, average temperatures and rainfall have increased in Indonesia and they feel that the rainy and dry seasons are less predictable."

"While the Government of Indonesia is implementing various flood mitigation solutions, respondents feel there is a need for more resources and funds to invest in this area. Increasing public participation is also needed, especially in land acquisition and environmental management."

Respondents also suggested geographical border collaborations with neighboring countries because climate change risks are also faced by most countries in Southeast Asia.