Marcum, Paige #1. The reason that Jakarta is vulnerable to sinking is that the city was built on low flat basin at the mouth of the Ciliwong River on Jakarta Bay. The other factors helping the issue is that 40% of the city lies below sea level and is sinking about six inches annually. #2. The city is slowly sinking which caused the government to act and think of a solution. They came up with strengthening the existing sea wall around the northern part of the city. Then the government would build 21-mile long wall and 17 artificial islands that would shield the city from rising sea levels. The islands would also have housing and office space for up to a million people. #3. Some hurdles that the government would face with the plan is that it would cost a lot of money. Also it would be to find the right amount of soil needed to make the 17 artificial islands.