By, Ari Rakatama
Welcome to our latest series, Climate locals. We’re spotlighting members of the E Co. team and how climate change is impacting their hometowns. We are proud to be a global team that draws on first-hand experience from cities around the world. This week, we’re heading to Bandar Lampung with our Consultant, Ari Rakatama who discusses the impact of flooding, coastal erosion and sea-level on his hometown…
I grew up and currently live in Bandar Lampung, a city with scenic beaches and lush landscapes. Bandar Lampung, in southern Sumatra, Indonesia, has a population of over 1 million. It spans 169.21 km2 and serves as the capital of Lampung Province. It is the native home of my ethnic group, the Lampungese people. It is also a home for many ethnicities coming from different regions, such as the Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Malay and Batak. This makes the city also known for its vibrant culture with a rich cultural blend. Key attractions include Way Kambas National Park, Pahawang Island for snorkeling, and the Krakatoa volcano, which erupted in the late 19th century.
The city grapples with the impacts of climate change, including flooding, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise. By 2070, annual mean precipitation is projected to increase by 22% compared to 2010 averages, and annual mean water discharge by 52%.
The city’s been seeing more frequent floods lately. People living near the coast are exposed to coastal floods called ‘robs,’ which happen when high tides cause flooding and erosion. Pluvial flooding is also commonplace yearly. Poor drainage and waste management have also made flooding worse. 86% of the city’s waste never even makes it to the landfill.
12% of the population lives in informal settlements, who do not see waste as a problem; they use it to build more homes. This has led to community-based coastal reclamation in Bandar Lampung over the past 25-30 years, as this reclaimed land is extremely exposed to rising sea level and pluvial and riverine flooding. This makes vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with limited resources, are most at risk from these climate hazards.
For the first time, flooding hit my neighborhood in Rajabasa District, northern Bandar Lampung, in April 2024. Although my house was saved, the water stood 10-30 cm high on the road in front of it. A mosque and houses in my neighborhood were flooded by 20- 100 cm. Our local community worked together to rebuild and clean the mosque and houses after the destruction caused by the flooding.
The city is implementing several measures to address climate issues, and developing a Climate Action Plan to reduce climate impacts in its most vulnerable districts across different areas, including ecosystems and infrastructure, and including improving drainage systems. However, efforts have been insufficient due to limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for more comprehensive climate adaptation strategies. Enhanced community involvement by promoting locally-led adaptation efforts
Bandar Lampung’s approach is part of a broader trend towards climate resilience in Southeast Asia. However, the city has a unique challenge. The city boasts a diverse topography, characterised by coastal areas, lowlands, rolling hills, and mountainous regions. Its coastal areas are prone to erosion and sea-level rise, lowlands are vulnerable to flooding, while the hilly and mountainous regions are vulnerable to landslides. This varied terrain influences local climate patterns, infrastructure development, and urban planning, necessitating tailored solutions for climate resilience and environmental management.
To overcome the barriers of insufficient and inadequate access to finance, E Co. has delivered City Climate Finance Training to help local actors such as municipal governments access climate finance. E Co’s work often involves leveraging international support and fostering local partnerships to enhance resilience and sustainability in vulnerable communities.
