Local approaches to interpreting disaster: exploring the spatial practice of communities in coastal settlement

Purpose This paper aims to explore the various collective mitigation strategies used by coastal communities affected by disasters related to sea level rise (SLR). Climate change has increased SLR each year, resulting in disasters associated with SLR in several coastal areas. By exploring ways of managing space as a form of collective adaptation, it may be possible to identify strategies for disaster mitigation in coastal areas. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a qualitative method was used to conduct the research in Tambaklorok, Semarang and Morosari, Demak. The case study was chosen because of the unique way in which this community adapts to the disaster of SLR, as well as how this community negotiates with water daily. Direct observation, interviews regarding local practices and recording of location conditions were used to collect data. Data analysis is conducted through the use of diagrams to interpret spatiality strategies. Findings This study concluded that there is a collective community strategy in coastal areas, consisting of three components: (1) regulating affordability, (2) occupying in-between spaces and (3) repurposing submerged land. This paper shows that local context-based disaster mitigation strategies enable the emergence of regional spatial forms with specific characteristics. Originality/value The findings of this study provide the basis for the creation of a disaster mitigation model based on SLR that takes into account local conditions and practices as opposed to generalizing them across different regions.