Climate change impacts on Indonesian coastal communities: a study of shoreline changes, sea-level rise and social adaptation

Climate change is increasingly threatening Indonesia’s coastal regions, causing extreme shoreline changes and rising sea levels. We investigate the relationship between shoreline changes, sea-level rise, and community adaptation strategies, focusing on six villages in the Lower Cisanggarung River Basin. We analysed shoreline data from 1994 to 2024 and conducted surveys with 139 respondents. The data were examined using ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation. Significant shoreline changes, primarily abrasion, were observed in 3 villages. The average sea-level rise was 31 to 52.7 cm. The region has experienced complex shoreline changes, sea-level rise, and increased instability. Coastal residents acknowledged these changes but rarely employed traditional knowledge or technology for mitigation. Common adaptations included raising house floors and relocating electrical outlets, while mangrove planting remained limited. Sea-level rise was perceived as a greater risk than shoreline changes. Community involvement was positively correlated with adaptation efforts and negatively correlated with shoreline changes.