When the city sinks: collaborative planning and land subsidence mitigation in Jakarta

Jakarta’s land subsidence has drawn increasing attention, yet mitigation efforts remain fragmented, inconsistent, and constrained by knowledge asymmetries. This study examines planning challenges, focusing on policy integration, stakeholder roles and collaboration, using semi-structured interviews, document reviews and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that differing stakeholder interpretations hinder effective mitigation. Although frameworks such as the Zero Groundwater Policy exist, implementation remains largely government-centric and top-down, limiting meaningful participation from communities and the private sector. As a result, collective action is weak. The study underscores the need for integrated strategies, equitable knowledge-sharing and stronger coordination among stakeholders.