Research Article

Assessing the Efficacy of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Flood Resilience in Jakarta, Indonesia, Using Hydrodynamic Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis

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SCI J Clim Change Environ Pol, 2026, 1 (1), 63-70, ISSN

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, accelerating land subsidence, and sea-level rise have positioned Jakarta, Indonesia, as one of the world's most flood-vulnerable megacities. While conventional engineering interventions such as sea walls and channelization have dominated urban flood defense strategies, their long-term efficacy and ecological compatibility remain heavily contested. This study evaluates the hydrological performance and socio-economic viability of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for flood risk mitigation across the Ciliwung River Basin in Greater Jakarta. We employed a coupled one- and two-dimensional (1D/2D) hydrodynamic model (EPA-SWMM coupled with LISFLOOD-FP) forced by projected 10-, 25-, and 50-year return period rainfall events under climate change scenarios (IPCC SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Three NbS intervention portfolios were simulated: urban green infrastructure (bioswales, permeable pavements, and decentralized retention basins), upstream riparian reforestation, and coastal mangrove rehabilitation. In parallel, an extended Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was executed across a 30-year operational horizon, factoring in avoided flood damage, carbon sequestration, and recreational co-benefits. Hydrodynamic simulations reveal that an integrated hybrid portfolio decreases peak discharge by 28.4% and diminishes urban inundation extent by up to 37.2% under a 25-year design storm. Economically, the hybrid NbS framework yields a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.14 and a Net Present Value (NPV) exceeding USD 1.82 billion at a 6% discount rate, outperforming purely grey infrastructure baselines. These findings provide empirical backing for reorienting Indonesian spatial planning frameworks toward polycentric, green-grey adaptive flood governance.

Keywords nature-based solutions cost-benefit analysis Hydrodynamic Modeling Urban Flood Resilience Jakarta Hydrology
Authors 3

The team behind this paper

3 authors, 3 institutions.

This paper University of Nairobi — Kenya University of Nairobi 1 author Stockholm University — Sweden Stockholm University 1 author University of São Paulo — Brazil University of São Paulo 1 author Prof. Amina Ndungu — corresponding author AN Prof. Amina Ndungu ✉ Dr. Henrik Lindqvist HL Dr. Henrik Lindqvist Dr. Sofia Mendes Rocha SR Dr. Sofia Mendes Rocha

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Bibliographic Information

Prof. Amina Ndungu, Dr. Henrik Lindqvist, Dr. Sofia Mendes Rocha, (2026). Assessing the Efficacy of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Flood Resilience in Jakarta, Indonesia, Using Hydrodynamic Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis, SCI Journal of Climate Change and Environmental Policy, 1(1): 63-70
Bibtex Citation
@article{prof._amina_ndungu2026sjccep,
author = {Prof. Amina Ndungu and Dr. Henrik Lindqvist and Dr. Sofia Mendes Rocha},
title = {Assessing the Efficacy of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Flood Resilience in Jakarta, Indonesia, Using Hydrodynamic Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis},
journal = {SCI Journal of Climate Change and Environmental Policy},
year = {2026},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {63-70},
doi = {},
url = {https://scimatic.org/index.php/show_manuscript/10293}
}
APA Citation
Ndungu, P.A., Lindqvist, D.H., Rocha, D.S.M., (2026). Assessing the Efficacy of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Flood Resilience in Jakarta, Indonesia, Using Hydrodynamic Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis. SCI Journal of Climate Change and Environmental Policy, 1(1), 63-70. https://doi.org/

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