From 3-5 November 2023, Dr. Pascaline Gaborit, CRIC partner and Founder ofPilot4Dev visited the pilot city of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, to engage with local government representatives on the pressing issues of water, sanitation, and waste management.

This visit was part of ongoing efforts to address Banjarmasin’s unique urban challenges, including flooding, waste management, and environmental sustainability.

Understanding Banjarmasin’s Geographic and Urban Challenges

Banjarmasin, a rapidly growing city located below sea level, faces numerous environmental challenges, with flood management being among the most urgent. During the visit, representatives from key city agencies, including the Planning Agency (Bappedalitbang), the Environmental Agency (DLH), the Disaster Risk Management Agency (BPBD), and the Public Works Agency (PUPR), shared updates on their efforts to tackle these issues. Discussions focused on integrating flood management into broader urban planning and resilience-building strategies.

Mrs. Ain Roselly, a representative from Bappedalitbang, delivered an in-depth presentation on Banjarmasin’s geographical conditions. She highlighted that 75% of the city is developed, with residential, commercial, and service buildings replacing open land and natural spaces. As the city with the highest population density in South Kalimantan, housing over 6,860 people per square kilometre, rapid urbanisation has increased the demand for land, part of many developments occurring along riverbanks—areas that are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

The situation is compounded by reduced river capacity caused by sedimentation and waste from surrounding activities, making drainage inefficient. Additionally, the ebb and flow of the Barito and Martapura Rivers, with water level fluctuations of up to 2 meters, intensify flooding risks, particularly during high tides and heavy rainfall.

To address these challenges, Banjarmasin has launched the National Urban Flood Resilience Program (NUFReP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) and the River Basin Agency (BWS III). This program aims to control flooding by enhancing river system capacity,, improving drainage infrastructure, and building new flood control facilities based on a comprehensive study of the city’s river systems.

Nature-Based Solutions and Community Involvement

Mrs. Suri Sudarmadiyah, head of the PUPR office in Banjarmasin, emphasised that the NUFReP program integrates nature-based solutions to enhance natural flood mitigation processes while actively engaging local communities in resilience efforts. The program incorporates building an integrated drainage system and constructing pump houses, all supported by active community participation.

The goal isnot only to reduce flooding but also to foster community ownership and responsibility for local flood management efforts. Through participatory and inclusive practices, the NUFReP program aims to deliver sustainable, long-term solutions that are adapted to the unique challenges of Banjarmasin’s urban landscape.

Field Visit to Pemurus Dalam Sub-District

As part of the visit, Dr. Pascaline Gaborit toured Pemurus Dalam, a sub-district significantly impacted by flooding, particularly during “rob” (high tide) events and heavy rains. The field visit provided valuable insights into the residents’ daily lives, many of whom face recurrent flooding and its associated challenges.

Interviews with residents revealed their resilience in the face of regular floods, as well as their deep concern for the future. Stakeholders shared experiences with the local government’s flood response initiatives, offering feedback on effective measures and areas that needed improvement. These insights highlighted the importance of strong local governance in flood management and the critical role of community resilience in disaster response.

A Model for Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

This collaborative exchange between Banjarmasin’s local government, residents, and international experts is a prime example of how cross-sectoral knowledge exchange can yield effective solutions for urban resilience. By integrating scientific expertise, local knowledge, and community involvement, Banjarmasin is laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient future.

This visit underscored the essential role of partnerships in tackling complex urban challenges such as flood management. As cities around the world grapple with the effects of climate change, Banjarmasin’s efforts provide a valuable model for others seeking to build resilience through inclusive, community-driven approaches to urban planning and environmental management approaches.

In conclusion, Banjarmasin’s ongoing efforts to improve flood management, sanitation, and waste systems, along with its commitment to participatory governance, are vital steps toward creating a more resilient and sustainable city for future generations.

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Kesuma Yanti is Field Officer for Kalimantan and West Java Region at CRIC Project.