Jakarta — Indonesia’s capital and home to over 10 million people — is literally sinking. Some districts drop as much as 10 inches per year, largely from groundwater extraction collapsing the land beneath the city. Add rising seas, stronger storm surges, and increasingly frequent flooding, and Jakarta faces a crisis with no easy answer.
Marc Scott narrates this short documentary with the authoritative calm of a Discovery or NatGeo feature — tracing the science, the scale, and Indonesia’s extraordinary response: abandoning the capital entirely.
Narration by Marc Scott
“This major city is sinking by inches every year.”
Jakarta — Indonesia’s capital and home to over 10 million people —
Is literally sinking.
Some parts drop by as much as 10 inches per year.
Why?
The city is pumping groundwater from aquifers beneath its foundations.
And as the water disappears… the land collapses.
At the same time, sea levels are rising.
Flooding is more frequent.
Storm surges hit harder.
Indonesia’s solution?
Build a new capital.
On higher ground.
Jakarta isn’t just sinking.
It’s being left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jakarta sinking, and what’s being done about it?
Jakarta is sinking because of a combination of excessive groundwater extraction, the weight of buildings pressing on soft alluvial soil, and rising sea levels. Some parts of the city have sunk by up to 25 centimetres in a single year. The Indonesian government’s response has been to relocate the capital to a new city called Nusantara on the island of Borneo — one of the most dramatic infrastructure decisions of the 21st century.
Who narrated this documentary short about Jakarta?
This short was narrated by Marc Scott, a documentary and docuseries narrator based in North America. Marc specialises in geography, science, and human-interest stories, delivering the kind of measured, authoritative voice you’d expect from Discovery, NatGeo, or PBS.
Is Marc Scott available for documentary or docuseries narration work?
Yes — Marc Scott works with producers and directors on documentary features, docuseries, factual shorts, and branded content. You can hear his demos and get in touch at marcscottvoiceover.com.
About the Narrator
Marc Scott is a documentary and docuseries narrator whose voice has been featured on networks including Discovery, NatGeo, and PBS. With a tone that balances authority and warmth, he specialises in bringing geography, climate, and human-interest stories to life with clarity and emotional resonance.
If you’re a producer or director looking for a narrator for a documentary, docuseries, or factual series, you can listen to Marc’s documentary narration demo here.
If you’re producing a documentary, docuseries, or factual series and need a narrator, visit marcscottvoiceover.com to hear demos and get in touch.
Interested in Working Together?
If you’re producing a documentary, docuseries, or factual series and looking for a narrator, Marc is available for new projects. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your vision — no obligation, just a conversation about whether his voice is the right fit for your story.
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