Like many major coastal cities, Jakarta is located on a floodplain; due to it being a delta for a set of rivers originating from the volcanoes of western Java – which is filled with highly nutritive soil. This delta was formed through the countless years of deposits left by the flowing rivers. These soft deposits are naturally compressible and would cause subsidence to occur naturally, even without human intervention; albeit at a slower rate.

The urbanisation of Jakarta has affected this delta formation. By manipulating the flow of rivers and placing dams within the city, the deposition of sediments onto the delta is thereby prevented, preventing it from continuing its growth. This makes it easier for floods to occur within the city; caused in addition by its naturally low level land. Also, the weight of a city on soft ground compacts the ground even more so.