A Phenomenology Approach to Rethinking Coastal Community Vulnerability Toward Sea-Level Rise

Abstract

Due to its proximity to the ocean and the danger it poses, such as sea level rise, coastal floods, tsunamis, and many other natural disasters, the coastal community has been long regarded as one of the most vulnerable communities. However, coastal communities that have prohibited these areas for a long period have grown accustomed to its threats, especially coastal floods, and have adopted localized survival and mitigation strategies. These events have tested the coastal communities' ability to adapt using limited resources, knowledge, and power. Using a phenomenology approach, this paper aims to illustrate the vulnerability exposed to the coastal community in Muara Baru, Penjaringan District, city of North Jakarta, Indonesia, using a geographic and exposure criteria to determine participants. Data gathered from in-depth interviews with head villagers and 25 residents of Muara Baru along with field observations to capture their lived experience as a community in terms of adaptation strategies and how they cope with the rising sea-level and coastal flood. Results show that contrary to previous conceptions, Muara Baru’s coastal community are no longer vulnerable to sea-level rise and this research highlights the rising concern for social risks they experience. By focusing on this factor rather on the disadvantage due to their geographical location, policy designs can be tailored to support the enhancement and well-being of the community.