Understanding the Collapse: Forensic Engineering Investigation of Lake Tempe Artificial Island Failure
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
14th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 26-27 September 2025 | Mumbai, India
The collapse of artificial islands in Lake Tempe, Indonesia, during the 2019 revitalisation project raised serious concerns about the design and safety of such infrastructures. These islands were originally designated as disposal areas, but their unexpected failure prompted a comprehensive forensic engineering investigation.
The study combined hydrological, hydraulic, geotechnical, and construction analyses to uncover the root causes of the collapse and recommend effective solutions. Interestingly, while the island designs met technical standards, the failure was triggered by floodwater levels exceeding the 20-year return period design elevation. This caused water overtopping, which led to erosion and eventual collapse of the island slopes.
To address these issues, the contractor implemented key mitigation strategies, including:
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Construction of protective barriers
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Continuous monitoring of water levels
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Adaptive measures to respond to unexpected natural hazards
The findings highlight two critical points:
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The design specifications were adequate, as they considered maximum floodwater levels and wave action.
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The real challenge lay in construction-stage vulnerability, where natural hazards outpaced existing safety measures.
This case study offers valuable lessons for the future of artificial island development, particularly in flood-prone regions. It emphasizes the importance of proactive monitoring, adaptive design, and flexible mitigation strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of such infrastructures.
By learning from Lake Tempe’s failure, engineers and planners can strengthen future projects to better withstand environmental challenges and safeguard infrastructure investments.
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