Sustainable Space Management for Coastal Development and Conservation in Medan Belawan: Strategies and Challenges in Urban Planning

Sustainable management of coastal spaces presents a significant challenge in urban-coastal planning, particularly in vulnerable areas like Medan Belawan. This study aims to assess the influence of six independent variables on the sustainability of coastal space management. The variables examined include Microecological Inequality, Inclusivity of Coastal Asset Ownership, Adaptive Preparedness to Climate Risks, Inter-Functional Spatial Connectivity, Local Institutional Accountability, and Communal Social Resilience. To explore these relationships, a quantitative approach was used, employing multiple linear regression analysis based on primary data gathered through surveys, field observations, and in-depth interviews with 150 respondents. The findings revealed that five out of the six variables significantly influenced the sustainability of coastal space management. Among these, Local Institutional Accountability emerged as the most dominant factor, followed by Asset Inclusivity, Ecological Inequality, Social Resilience, and Adaptive Readiness. However, the Connectivity between Spatial Functions was found to have no significant impact on the management of coastal spaces. The regression analysis indicated an R² value of 0.539, meaning that 53.9% of the variation in coastal space management could be explained by these six variables. These results underscore the crucial role of strengthening participatory governance, ensuring equitable access to coastal assets, and enhancing the adaptive capacity of communities in achieving sustainable coastal management. The study suggests that improving local institutional accountability and fostering inclusivity in coastal asset ownership are key strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, addressing microecological inequality and building social resilience are essential for enhancing the region's capacity to adapt to climate risks. The study recommends institutional reforms, community-driven planning processes, and micro-ecological conservation efforts as fundamental measures to create more sustainable and contextually appropriate urban-coastal planning in areas like Medan Belawan.