In the bustling coastal city of Semarang, Indonesia, a silent crisis is unfolding beneath the feet of its residents. Land subsidence, primarily caused by excessive groundwater extraction and soil compaction, is not just a geological phenomenon—it’s a socio-economic time bomb with far-reaching implications, particularly for the energy sector. A groundbreaking study led by Wahyudi Rochmad, a Master of Environmental Sciences student at Universitas Diponegoro, sheds light on the often-overlooked human and economic impacts of this creeping disaster.
Rochmad’s research, published in the E3S Web of Conferences (which translates to Environmental Science and Sustainable Development Web of Conferences), systematically reviews 33 studies from 2015 to 2025, painting a stark picture of Semarang’s struggle. The study draws international comparisons with cities like Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Mexico City, revealing primary categories of impact: damage to infrastructure, disruption to public facilities, displacement of occupants, and socio-economic inequalities.
The energy sector, in particular, faces significant commercial risks. “Subsidence can lead to the tilting of power plants, damage to pipelines, and even the flooding of critical infrastructure,” Rochmad explains. “These disruptions can cause substantial financial losses and compromise energy security.”
The study highlights that the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by subsidence losses. “It’s not just about the land sinking; it’s about who is left to deal with the consequences,” Rochmad notes. “Equitable urban adaptation responses are crucial. Technical fixes like Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) show promise, but they must be accompanied by aligned governance and social inclusion.”
Rochmad’s research also analyzes spatial and temporal deformation patterns in Semarang’s urban, industrial, and coastal zones. The findings underscore the need for policy-relevant outcomes to guide more equitable and sustainable land subsidence measures.
As the world grapples with climate change and urbanization, Rochmad’s work serves as a wake-up call. It challenges policymakers, urban planners, and energy sector stakeholders to think beyond technical solutions and consider the broader socio-economic impacts of land subsidence. The study’s insights could shape future developments in urban planning, disaster management, and energy infrastructure, ensuring that cities like Semarang can adapt and thrive in the face of this silent crisis.
In a world where the ground beneath our feet is quite literally shifting, Rochmad’s research offers a roadmap for more resilient and equitable urban futures.