Strategies for Managing Land Subsidence and Coastal Flooding: An Analysis of the Situation in Pekalongan, the Northern Coast of Central Java

ABSTRACT The history of land subsidence and coastal flooding along the northern shore of Java is wide and intricate. Pekalongan, situated on the northern coast of central Java, has seen rapid and substantial land subsidence and coastal flooding. Coastal sedimentation, which leads to the formation of alluvial soil layers that are prone to natural compaction, is the primary cause of land subsidence problems on the north coast of Java. It is also worsened by the additional load of structures and infrastructure above it, as well as the excessive groundwater extraction, especially in industrial and highly populated areas. Due to the tides, the low‐lying regions encounter coastal flooding, exacerbating the circumstances for the inhabitants residing along the same coastline. Local communities have made multiple efforts to adjust to the land subsidence and floods along the coast. This article analyses the phenomenon of land subsidence and coastal flooding in Pekalongan, along with the strategies implemented by the local community and government to address this issue. It aims to provide a thorough examination of the challenges associated with land subsidence and coastal flooding along the north coast of Java and to develop effective techniques for managing land subsidence and coastal flooding in different regions.