Pre-and post-tsunami coastal planning and land-use policies and issues in Indonesia

As the largest archipelago on earth, Indonesia is both blessed with abundant natural resources and afflicted by natural hazards. Coastal and marine resources have been utilized for national economic development for centuries. Coastal and marine economic sectors account for one-quarter of the GDP and employ more than 20 percent of Indonesia’s workforce. Approximately 65 percent of the population lives within 50 kilometres of the country’s coastlines and 75 percent of the nation’s cities are located in coastal areas. Until the establishment of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in September 1999, the pattern of coastal development was generally unsustainable. Primary elements of integrated coastal planning and management, especially spatial planning, management of natural resources, pollution control and control of coastal construction had not been implemented properly. Consequently, when the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck, Indonesia was the hardest hit country in terms of physical damage, socio-economic loss and human casualties This paper analyzes the general pattern of coastal resource use in Indonesia, problems and issues emerging post-tsunami, policies and regulations governing coastal land and resource management, planning and decision-making processes pertaining to coastal land and resource use, governance and institutional structures and mechanisms for coastal management. Recommendations for long-term post-tsunami reconstruction and development in the context of sustainable coastal area management are made