Coastal Inundation and Vulnerability Assessment in Bekasi and Karawang Regencies, North Coast of Java
Hamzah Latief, Adin Adli Irfani, Karina Aprilia Sujatmiko (*), Ahmad Ilham Erawan, Faruq Khadami

Study program of Oceanography, Bandung Institute of Technology
Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
*karinaas[at]itb.ac.id

Abstract

The North Coast of Java, including Bekasi and Karawang Regencies, is a densely populated and economically significant region that is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its low-lying topography, proximity to the Java Sea, and sedimentation processes. This study assesses the risk of coastal inundation, vulnerability, and shoreline changes in these areas.
The bathtub inundation model was utilized to project coastal inundation scenarios under various sea-level rise scenarios.The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) was employed to evaluate coastal vulnerability based on factors such as slope,tidal range, wave height, sea-level rise, coastal geomorphology, coastal protection, and erosion rate. Additionally,historical shoreline changes were analyzed to understand coastal dynamics.
The results indicate that Bekasi and Karawang Regencies have been classified as having a very high coastal vulnerability due to unconsolidated sediments, gentle slopes, and high tidal ranges. While some rudimentary coastal protection measures have been implemented by local communities, these are generally insufficient to mitigate the effects of erosion and inundation. The CVI values in Bekasi and Karawang Regencies vary significantly, with vulnerability being exacerbated by the lack of robust coastal protection structures such as embankments, seawalls, revetments, or groynes.
Historical shoreline analysis reveals a dynamic coastline subject to both abrasion and sedimentation processes. The risk of inundation has been assessed based on factors such as highest tides, sea-level rise, storm surges, and La Nina events. 22 sub-districts in both regencies are at risk of inundation, affecting 3,204 buildings/structures, 569.01 km of roads, 102 educational/research facilities, 8 health facilities, and 1 steam power plant.
Although the overall risk level is currently low due to limited inundation heights, there are areas with high risk due to the intersection of moderate submergence and high vulnerability. This study highlights the urgent need for effective adaptation measures to address the challenges posed by sea-level rise and climate change in the North Coast of Java.

Keywords: Coastal, Vulnerability, Climate Change, Java

Topic: Ocean Sciences