Like so many of the coastal cities in Southeast Asia (and other regions) established during European colonialism, there has been an ongoing challenge for decades dealing with the growing frequency and intensity of flooding. Jakarta’s flood problems since the 1990s have been nothing less than monumental and the inability of the local and national governments to mitigate flooding in Jakarta is the most visible manifestation of fundamental water management deficiencies. This book offers a comprehensive and systematic historical assessment of Jakarta’s water management practices from the colonial era through the early years of the Indonesian republic and Jakarta’s emergence as a sprawling megacity.This book draws upon a vast multidisciplinary literature and a wide array of government documents to unravel the complex history of water management that has led to approximately 40% of the city now lying below sea level.This book will be a useful reference to those who research on topics such as urbanization in Southeast Asia, sustainable development, urban and planning history, environmental planning, issues of water management (and flooding), and the politics of planning and development.