- Type of project
- Developing a pilot polder
- Location
- Semarang (Indonesia)
- Continent
- Asia
- Company
- Witteveen + Bos
- Client
- Government of Indonesia
- Period
- 2007-2009
- Contract value
- Objective
Finding a possible solution for flood problems in waterfront cities in Indonesia.
Project information
In 2001 Witteveen+Bos organised a seminar that proposed polder systems as a possible solution for flood problems in waterfront cities in Indonesia. To prove that the polder concept can contribute to lower flood risks, it has been decided to develop a pilot polder in the city of Semarang. As time progresses the waterfront city of Semarang is flooded more often due to large land subsidence and rising sea levels. This causes disturbance to society and disrupts economic development, because companies leave the area.
Description of project
PhasesThe Semarang Pilot Polder project comprises four phases. Phase 1 (feasibility study) has already been executed. Working from the Witteveen+Bos office in Semarang, Phase 3 (technical design) is in progress, in co-operation with the Dutch Schieland and Krimpenerwaard District Water Board, which is responsible for Phase 2 (institutional implementation Polder Authority, PA). A guideline (phase 4, by UNESCO-IHE), addressing the experience of the previous phases, will be used to transfer knowledge to the PA.
The physical conditions are quite different from the Dutch situation. For instance: the pilot area is densely built and contains an organic network of infrastructure, the rainfall is 5 times as intense and, moreover, the pilot area is subject to land subsidence of approximately 10 cm per year.
Implementation
Beside the challenging technical aspects, the implementation of the polder concept in the existing social structures is a tough job. To manage the implementation, a PA has been set up in co-operation with local authorities. Gradually, the PA will take on responsibility for the polder management. In order to establish appropriate management, public support is essential. This requires extensive contacts with representatives of the local community. The PA will be trained on the basis of the polder guideline and intensive courses. At the end of 2008, the polder design and the guideline will be handed over to the PA, which will need to be standing on its own feet by then. The PA will direct the implementation of the polder system.
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