Urbanization in DKI JAKARTA, Does it have a significant impact?

Introduction

Urbanization is the process of population movement from rural to urban areas, followed by an increase in population density and infrastructure development. In Jakarta, urbanization has been happening very fast in the last few decades. This process has a major impact on various aspects of life, including climate change in the Jakarta area. The growth and urbanization of the world’s human population has accelerated over the past 50 years.

Urbanization has led to the emergence of the urban heat island phenomenon, where the temperature in urban areas is higher than in the surrounding rural areas. This happens because concrete, asphalt and buildings in urban areas absorb more heat than soil and vegetation in rural areas. In Jakarta, the air temperature has increased significantly, especially during the day and night. This heat island effect is exacerbated by the shrinking number of open green spaces (RTH) and the lack of trees that can absorb heat and produce oxygen.

The population density in Jakarta affects the increase in the number of motor vehicles and industrial activity. This causes an increase in greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and fine particles (PM2.5) that pollute the air. This air pollution not only contributes to global climate change, but also causes changes in Jakarta’s microclimate by increasing temperatures and reducing air quality. High levels of air pollution also affect public health, particularly children and vulnerable groups.

Climate change due to urbanization and increased greenhouse gas emissions may affect water patterns in Jakarta. In recent years, Jakarta has experienced higher water intensity, especially during the rainy season. This increases the risk of floods which often occur in the capital. Human activities affect changes in rainfall patterns, such as deforestation and land use changes that disrupt the natural water cycle.

Urbanization that is not accompanied by adequate drainage planning increases the risk of flooding in Jakarta. The construction of buildings, housing and roads often sacrifice water catchment areas, such as empty land and wetlands. In addition, extreme changes in rain patterns have caused drainage in Jakarta to be unable to absorb much water, resulting in more frequent floods. These floods not only damage infrastructure, but they also worsen the environment and increase the risk of disease. Urbanization that increases air pollution and reduces environmental quality also affects public health in Jakarta. Respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis, are becoming more common, especially in children and the elderly who are vulnerable to air pollution. In addition, rising temperatures and floods are also causing the emergence of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria, which are spread by mosquitoes.

Discussion

Demography in DKI Jakarta

The demographic situation of DKI Jakarta in 2024 shows a high and diverse population density. Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Jakarta’s population reached about 11 million people this year, with a population density of more than 15 thousand people per square kilometer, the highest in Indonesia. The majority of the population of DKI Jakarta lives in the East Jakarta and South Jakarta areas, with the highest density in the Central Jakarta area compared to the relatively small area.

In terms of age composition, Jakarta is dominated by the productive age group, that is residents between 15 and 64 years. This population of productive age supports the city’s economy, but it also triggers large demands for employment and public resources. In addition, immigration from different regions in Indonesia continues to occur, which also affects population growth and changes in urban planning.