Exploring Urban Flooding in Indonesia: A Review of Drivers, Consequences, and Interventions

Abstract

Urban flooding in Indonesia presents a critical challenge exacerbated by rapid urbanization, climate change, and socio-economic disparities. This review synthesizes insights from 30 studies indexed in the Garuda Database and other scholarly sources to explore the drivers, impacts, and mitigation strategies for urban flooding. The findings reveal that key drivers include unregulated land-use changes, inadequate drainage systems, and extreme rainfall patterns intensified by global climate change. Socio-economic impacts, such as displacement, economic losses, and public health crises, disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Environmental consequences include ecosystem degradation and the loss of natural water retention areas, such as wetlands and mangroves.

Mitigation strategies discussed in this review emphasize the integration of structural measures, such as modernized drainage systems and flood control infrastructure, with non-structural approaches, including community education and policy reforms. Innovative technologies, like GIS-based flood modelling and low-cost early warning systems, offer promising pathways to improve flood management. Additionally, ecological restoration and sustainable urban planning emerge as critical components for long-term resilience. Drawing on lessons from global practices, this review underscores the importance of collaborative governance, technological innovation, and inclusive community engagement to address urban flooding effectively. By leveraging insights from the Garuda Database and international frameworks, this study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to build sustainable urban environments and enhance disaster preparedness in Indonesia.