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      Challenges associated with urban growth: people and the economy

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the challenges associated with providing services and reducing unemployment and crime in Jakarta.

      Key learning points

      1. There are challenges associated with providing clean water, sanitation systems and energy in Jakarta.
      2. There are challenges associated with providing access to health and education services in Jakarta.
      3. There are challenges associated with reducing unemployment and crime in Jakarta.

      Keywords

      • Sanitation - systems for removing human waste and managing rubbish and dirty water to prevent the spread of disease

      • Pollution - presence of harmful substances in the environment, such as in the air, water or soil, which can damage ecosystems and human health

      • Groundwater - water found underground in soil, sand, and rock. It is stored in aquifers and can be used as a source of water for drinking or industry

      Common misconception

      As a global megacity in an NEE, Jakarta is too developed to have serious problems with providing clean water and sanitation.

      Despite being a global megacity, large parts of Jakarta (especially kampungs) lack piped water and sewage systems. Many people rely on groundwater, and open drains are still common in some areas.

      Teacher tip

      There are lots of YouTube videos recording Western travellers' impressions of Jakarta. Show one that focuses on the modern face of Jakarta today, and one that features the 'sinking slums' of Jakarta.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:Subsidence,Land sinking due to overuse of groundwater
      Correct Answer:World city,A city with global influence in economy, culture and trade
      Correct Answer:Natural increase,Birth rate higher than death rate

      Q2.
      What is the capital city of Indonesia?

      Bangkok
      Kuala Lumpur
      Correct answer: Jakarta
      Manila

      Q3.
      Which of the following makes Jakarta a world city?

      Small population
      No international links
      Correct answer: Role in global finance and trade
      Low number of businesses

      Q4.
      A growing population due to births over deaths is called .

      Correct Answer: natural increase

      Q5.
      What physical challenge does Jakarta face due to overuse of groundwater?

      Volcanoes
      Landslides
      Correct answer: Subsidence
      Earthquakes

      Q6.
      What is a major pull factor drawing people to Jakarta from rural areas?

      Floods
      Correct answer: Job opportunities
      Earthquakes
      Cold climate

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keyword to the correct definition:

      Correct Answer:sanitation,Systems for removing human waste
      Correct Answer:pollution,Harmful substances in the environment
      Correct Answer:groundwater,Water stored underground in rock or soil

      Q2.
      Many people in Jakarta rely on ________ because they lack piped water.

      rainfall
      rivers
      Correct answer: groundwater
      seawater

      Q3.
      Jakarta still faces challenges with clean water because ...

      the population is decreasing
      new shopping malls use too much water
      Correct answer: infrastructure doesn’t reach all areas
      everyone uses bottled water instead

      Q4.
      What’s a common misunderstanding about Jakarta’s development?

      It’s the capital of Indonesia
      It has too many parks
      Correct answer: Its sanitation system is excellent citywide
      It imports all its electricity

      To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Challenges associated with urban growth: people and the economy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...