Impact of Coastal Erosion in the Coastal Area of Rembang, Central Java

Abstract

On the one hand, the coastal area promises abundant natural resources, but on the other hand, there are potential threats of disaster for the people living in that area. Coastal erosion or abrasion is a threat/danger that harmful to communities in coastal areas in Indonesia. One of the areas affected by abrasion in Indonesia is Rembang Regency. This study attempted to analyze the physical and social impacts of abrasion in the Rembang Regency. This study was conducted qualitatively by utilizing Ikonos High-Resolution Satellite Imagery, field surveys, and interviews as the basis for the analysis of the impact of the abrasion disaster. Respondents in this study were communities and government officials in areas affected by abrasion which were determined by purposive sampling technique. The results of the data analysis show that the physical impacts of abrasion are classified into four categories, namely heavy damage, moderate damage, minor damage, and no damage, while the social impacts are in the form of psychological, sociological, and economic disturbances which have implications for decreasing welfare. Therefore, an in-depth analysis is needed to determine the abrasion disaster management policy in Rembang Regency.