The Role of the Community in Utilizing Mangrove Forests for Addressing Coastal Erosion in Pasar Banggi Village, Rembang District, Rembang Regency

Indonesia is one of the countries with the longest coastlines in the world. Its mangrove forests cover 4.25 million hectares, or 3.98% of the country's total forest area. However, only 58.82%, equivalent to 2.5 million hectares, of these forests are in good condition, while the remainder has been degraded for various reasons. This study aims to: 1) identify the efforts undertaken by the community to address coastal abrasion, 2) explore the utilization of mangrove forests as conservation areas, and 3) examine the community's role in rehabilitating mangrove forests to mitigate abrasion in Pasar Banggi Village. The research was conducted in Pasar Banggi Village, Rembang District, Rembang Regency, using a qualitative approach. Primary data were collected through direct observations, interviews with local residents, and documentation related to the mangrove forest area. The findings indicate that 1. the community has implemented several measures to manage coastal abrasion, 2. the mangrove forests in Pasar Banggi Village are utilized as conservation areas, and 3. the community plays a significant role in rehabilitating mangrove forest to address abrasion. Keywords: Community Role, Mangrove Forests, Coastal Erosion