Jakarta is facing a very serious and immediate threat to the environment. Land subsidence speeds up every year, and sea levels rise slowly, which could lead to permanent flooding along the coast. Tidal surges have become more common and damaging in the northern part of the city, putting both infrastructure and people’s jobs at risk. Entire neighbourhoods are often below sea level, with only old embankments and makeshift barriers keeping them safe.
The Indonesian government is building the Giant Sea Wall, one of the biggest coastal defence projects in Southeast Asia, to deal with this growing crisis. Jakarta’s contribution includes a 19-kilometer reinforced embankment that is part of a larger 500-kilometer coastal protection system along the Pantura coastline. The city gets IDR 5 trillion a year to help pay for it. This huge project is more than just a way to protect the city; it’s a lifeline for a city that is at risk from climate change, too many people, and unstable geology.
But underneath the concrete and stone walls is a story of new materials that quietly hold up Jakarta’s future. Geosynthetics, which are synthetic materials, are very important for making sure that this huge structure can handle the challenges that lie ahead. Geomembrane and non-woven geotextile are two examples of geosynthetics.
Jakarta’s Giant Sea Wall, Not Just a Wall
The Giant Sea Wall is a major step forward in national infrastructure because it combines civil engineering with climate adaptation strategy. Jakarta is the most at-risk city, so this project is focused on it. Here, rapid urbanisation, too much groundwater extraction, and very little land elevation all come together to make a perfect storm of vulnerability. Much of the capital’s northern coast could be underwater in a few decades if nothing is done.
It’s not just about making the wall taller or stronger along the 19-kilometer stretch that is now being built. It is a complicated mix of marine engineering, planning for water flow, and stabilising the soil. Construction teams have to deal with unstable soils, changing water tables, and the damage that seawater does to things when they are exposed to it. These things that happen below the surface need more than just concrete; they need systems that protect, drain, and strengthen from the ground up.
This is where geosynthetics come in. Geotextiles, geomembranes, and other similar materials do a lot of basic jobs that regular building materials can’t do. Even though people can’t see them, their job is just as important as the structure above.
Why Geosynthetics Are Important
The requirements for stability and resistance to the environment are very high for any coastal infrastructure. Geosynthetics are a new way to deal with these problems. These materials are made to work with soil and water, changing with the environment while keeping their performance for decades.
Two materials in the Giant Sea Wall project stand out because they can be used in many different ways and last a long time. Geomembrane is a synthetic liner that is widely used to keep water in and stop it from leaking. It acts as a seal that keeps seawater and polluted groundwater from coming into direct contact with important layers of soil and infrastructure.
Non-woven geotextile, on the other hand, is a flexible fabric that strengthens soil structures, allows for filtration, and separates different layers of ground. These parts work together to make an invisible but strong shield under Jakarta’s coastal defence.
Geomembrane as a Layer of Protection Against Water
Waterproofing is not an option in marine environments; it is necessary. Geomembrane meets this need by creating a continuous, waterproof barrier that keeps water where it is needed and keeps it out of areas where it isn’t. Geomembrane stops water from leaking through the foundation or speeding up corrosion when it is put under embankments or in landfill systems near the shore.
The way it is made makes it strong. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane is very good at keeping out ultraviolet rays, extreme temperatures, and chemicals that come from saltwater. Because of these traits, it is perfect for long-term use in marine and semi-marine areas like those in northern Jakarta.
Planners are now adding geomembrane layers to the substructure to make it stronger, instead of just relying on concrete to hold up under water pressure. The benefits are twofold: the surface structures will last longer and the costs of future maintenance and repairs will be much lower. This will eventually lead to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to build coastal infrastructure.
How Non-Woven Geotextile Makes the Ground More Stable
How well the soil under a sea wall is taken care of is the first step in making sure it stays strong. This is where non-woven geotextile is very important. This fabric is made of polypropylene and is processed by needle punching. It may look simple, but it has a big effect on big infrastructure projects.
It is very important to make sure that each layer stays stable in Jakarta’s coastal zone, where the land is made up of sandy soil, reclaimed land, and compacted mud. Non-woven geotextile solves this problem by doing a lot of things at once. It keeps the soft subsoil and the upper aggregate apart so they don’t mix and the load-bearing layer stays strong. It also spreads the weight out more evenly, which lowers the chance of soil migration or settlement under pressure.
The fabric also helps with drainage while keeping sediment in place. Fine soil particles can’t get through the geotextile, but water can. This lowers the risk of internal erosion or piping failures. This filtering function is especially important in places that get a lot of rain or have tides that change often.
For the Giant Sea Wall, non-woven geotextile is not an accessory that supports it; it is an important part. Using it makes it less likely that the structure will be damaged by shifting soil or uneven settlement, especially in areas that are always being hit by waves.
The Role of Urban Plastic in National Infrastructure
As Indonesia uses more advanced engineering methods to deal with climate change, the need for dependable materials and knowledgeable suppliers rises. Urban Plastic is leading the way in this change by making high-quality geomembrane, geotextiles, and other geosynthetics that are perfect for infrastructure and coastal engineering.
The company’s proven skills and wide range of products make it a valuable partner for contractors, planners, and government agencies. Urban Plastic helps projects all over the archipelago, not just in Jakarta. They do everything from giving advice on technical specifications to making sure that materials are always available.
Urban Plastic shows its dedication to national progress, sustainability, and engineering excellence by helping to build the Giant Sea Wall. The goal of this partnership is not just to make money; it’s also to protect the future of cities that are vulnerable to climate change.
Building Safer, Building Smarter
Jakarta’s work to deal with climate risk is a new step for Indonesia’s infrastructure. But just building sea walls isn’t enough. The choices made behind the scenes will determine how well this project, and others like it, goes. Adding geomembrane and non-woven geotextile to the heart of these defences shows a commitment to performance, safety, and long-term strength.
Civil engineers and policymakers need to keep putting materials and methods that protect and adapt at the top of their lists as climate change continues to change coastlines. Geosynthetics are more than just technical fixes; they are long-term investments in the country’s future.
People who are planning, designing, or building important infrastructure need to act now. Making the right choices about materials today can help you avoid failure tomorrow.
For more information about Geomembrane please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +62 811 9151 338 (Ms. Anna) or Email :info@urbanplastic.id