Jakarta. A perigee moon phase, when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, triggered unusually high sea tides that flooded parts of North Jakarta on Thursday, according to the city’s Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).

BPBD spokesperson Mohamad Yohan said the astronomical full-moon effect directly impacted Jakarta’s northern coast, increasing the risk of coastal flooding, locally known as rob.

“Maximum tidal conditions are raising the potential for coastal floods at several points along Jakarta’s shoreline,” Yohan said.

Water levels at the Pasar Ikan floodgate in North Jakarta reached “danger” status early Thursday, raising concerns about inundation in nearby coastal residential areas. The worst-hit location was the Thousand Islands district, where flooding swamped 13 inhabited areas by midday.

On the mainland, neighborhoods in North Jakarta also faced tidal surges. Three residential clusters in Pluit were inundated by up to 50 centimeters of seawater, all confirmed as tidal flooding rather than river overflow.

The high tide also flooded RE Martadinata Street in front of Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), submerging traffic lanes in knee-deep seawater and causing major traffic disruptions along one of the area’s key industrial routes.

Motorcyclists slowed to a crawl to avoid stalled engines, yet many vehicles still broke down after attempting to pass through the water. Despite the risk, most commuters continued using the road because it remains the fastest route to Ancol.

Recurring Threat from Land Subsidence and Rising Seas
Coastal flooding in North Jakarta has become increasingly severe, driven not only by tidal cycles but also by extreme land subsidence linked to excessive groundwater extraction. This sinking terrain, combined with global sea-level rise intensified by climate change, has transformed routine tidal events into dangerous floods that threaten homes and infrastructure.

Residents say the recurring tidal surges disrupt working hours and daily mobility. Alvi, a motorcyclist caught in Thursday’s flood, urged the government to accelerate mitigation.

“We need a permanent solution. Many of us use this road to get to work, and floods keep delaying us,” he said.

The RE Martadinata corridor is particularly vulnerable because it sits beside the Ancol River, where rising sea tides often push water back into the channel and onto the road.

Neti Heriati from the Tanjung Priok Water Resources Agency said emergency crews are responding on-site.

“We are blocking water sources with sandbags and deploying three portable pumps and three floating pumps,” Neti said.

Authorities expect tide levels to fluctuate as the perigee period continues, and coastal residents have been advised to stay alert.

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