This book provides a rare political economy analysis of flood risk management in Southeast Asia. Floods represent one of the most persistent and damaging disasters in Indonesia, a nation highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Despite significant investments in flood management infrastructure, some Indonesian cities continue to grapple with flooding issues, while others have effectively reduced their risks. This book explores the reasons behind these disparities.

Based on extensive field research, the book posits that local political economies, not merely technical capabilities, are key to understanding these divergent outcomes. By examining and comparing four cities, it shows how partnerships with civil society foster more resilient outcomes, while the interaction of political and business interests can hamper spatial planning, flood defence, and emergency response efforts. Written in an accessible and engaging way, it will appeal to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in why technical solutions often fall short and why politics must be central to climate adaptation strategies. Beyond Indonesia, it contributes to broader discussions on resilience, governance, and disaster risk reduction across the Global South and beyond.

Yogi Setya Permana is a researcher at the Research Centre for Politics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN-Indonesia) focused on the intersections of environmental governance, climate adaptation, and local politics in Southeast Asia. His research explores how the political economy of natural resources and state-society relations impact environmental crises, patterns of conflict, resilience, and everyday political dynamics.