Protect, Adapt or Relocate? Responding to Climate Change in Coastal Indonesia

Abstract

On the coast of Java, Semarang City faces a multitude of climate-related problems including sea-level rise, flash and tidal floods, subsidence and coastal erosion. Using four case-study villages, this working paper explores how households are coping with the impacts of climate change. How do they decide whether to protect, adapt or relocate their property to areas less affected, and what are the costs? Understanding household risk assessments and decision-making processes should effectively tailor government policies to reduce vulnerability and support local adaptation strategies. By bringing together all stakeholders, an urban climate governance approach should ensure a more resilient city