Beneath the Surface: Water Projects and Politics in Jakarta

Indonesia’s capital is one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world. Increasing demand from urbanization and an inadequate water supply system have led the majority of residents to extract water from below their feet. This paper explores Jakarta’s water management projects through the lens of urban regime theory and casts a light on how water policies are made and shaped by colonial history, existing power relationships, and the motivations of key decision-makers. I find that Jakarta’s development regime pushes for ward solutions that “kill two birds with one stone”–attempting to solve the water crisis while also creating growth via land-use changes. I conclude that this approach is ultimately misconceived and will leave behind the city and its most vulnerable residents.