In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Jurnal Teknik Hidraulik’, researchers are shedding light on the critical role mangrove forests play in coastal protection, particularly in the context of North Jakarta’s ongoing battle against flooding. As the city grapples with subsidence and rising sea levels, the National Capital Integrated Coastal Development Program (NCICD) seeks innovative solutions to safeguard its vulnerable coastline.
The study, led by Huda Bachtiar from the Balai Litbang Pantai, Puslitbang-SDA, Kementerian Pekerjaan Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat, explores the effects of mangrove presence on coastal dikes, specifically within the NCICD Phase A initiative. The research involved extensive hydraulic analyses, utilizing a physical model tested under various conditions at the Experimental Station for Coastal Research in Buleleng, Bali. A total of 204 scenarios were meticulously examined, comparing situations with and without mangroves and dikes.
The findings are compelling: the presence of mangroves can reduce wave dissipation energy by an impressive 60-90%. “The integration of mangrove forests with coastal dikes not only enhances protection against wave forces but also contributes to the overall health of the coastal ecosystem,” Bachtiar noted. This dual benefit underscores the potential for more sustainable construction practices in coastal areas.
For construction firms and stakeholders in coastal infrastructure, these insights could be transformative. The study suggests that incorporating natural elements like mangroves into engineering designs can lead to more resilient structures, potentially lowering maintenance costs and enhancing longevity. As cities worldwide face similar challenges of flooding and erosion, the implications of this research extend far beyond Jakarta, offering a blueprint for coastal resilience that harmonizes human ingenuity with nature.
As the construction sector increasingly prioritizes sustainability, this research signals a shift towards integrating ecological considerations into urban planning and infrastructure development. The successful application of these findings could pave the way for innovative projects that not only protect communities but also restore vital ecosystems.
The study serves as a reminder that nature-based solutions can offer significant advantages in engineering, prompting a reevaluation of traditional approaches to coastal defense. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the construction industry must adapt, and studies like Bachtiar’s provide essential guidance for this evolution.
