Coastal Area Management based on Environment Carrying Capacity and Community Participation in Batang Regency

Abstract

Batang regency is one of the coastal districts on the north coast of Java, which has a 38.75 km long coastline and vast ocean of approximately 287 060 km2. Batang coastal area is a region of highly productive and have high economic value, but on the other hand are also vulnerable to damage. The coastal area strategic plan document Batang in 2011, identify that there are variety of problems occured in coastal areas Batang include abrasion, accretion, sedimentation, flood, narrowing river bodies, destruction of mangroves, pollution of water and soil, ego sectoral, institutional and community participation in coastal management. Therefore the management of coastal areas should be planned and integrated and provide maximum benefits to all stakeholders, especially in coastal communities. Spatial planning is one tool in the management of coastal areas, where the main objective of spatial planning is to improve the society welfare, the growth and the ecosystem conservation. According to Act No. 26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning, spatial utilization at district must consider supportive and carrying capacity of environment. This study aims to assess and evaluate the environment carrying capacity and the spatial utilizations in Batang coastal areas; assess community understanding against management and spatial planning; analyze the level and form of community participation in the management of coastal areas and formulate strategic referrals to the management coastal areas in Batang. The methods used in this study are analysis based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as the descriptive analysis. Environment carrying capacity analysis to the land area was based on land capability. Determination of land capability class was done by using Boolean technique (Regulation of the Minister of Environment Number 17, 2009). Evaluation of carrying capacity and spatial utilization was done by overlaying the maps. Batang waters conditions assessed from the data physical and chemical parameters were adjusted to the Minister of Environment Decree No. 51 of 2004 on Sea Water Quality Standard. To find the understanding and participation of the community were analyzed descriptively, based on the results of the questionnaire. From the results of the analyzes, then performed such synthesis to formulate strategic direction of coastal areas management. The results showed that environment carrying capacity in the coastal areas of Batang based on land capability is still appropriate (98.29%). The conditions of coastal water of Batang are still appropriate for marine life, but in a few locations (Batang, Tulis and Gringsing sub-districts) orthophosphate levels have already exceeded the quality standard. Currently, more than 70% of the land use in coastal areas are still appropriate/consistent with the spatial planning. In general, the level of public understanding of policies related to the management and spatial planning of coastal areas in Batang is still low, mean while associated with the land vii utilization in coastal areas, the level of public understanding belongs to moderate level. Based on Arnstein ladder typology, the level of community participation in general categories as Information category. Participation form exhibited that the majority of respondents participate at utilization, conservation and monitoring activity. Activities follow the coaching/training is a form of activity which is the least followed. Coastal area management referrals in Batang need to be harmonized with the existing spatial planing that has been set by the government in the spatial plan, which is divided into utilization, conservation protection and strategic area. Spatial plan should be implemented as it’s plan functions with respect to the environment carrying capacity and involve the local community, so that environmental degradation can be reduced. General management strategies that can be done is to improve coordination among government agencies, to develop and enhance community participation and oversight as well as the availability and ease of access to information for the general public.