The Heritage Impact Study Assessment (HIA) in the sustainable development of the Coast of Melaka

Abstract

Through the strategic plan of Melakaku Maju Jaya 2035 (PSMJ 2035), the State of Melaka has implemented several modern development policies aimed at triggering the economy and increasing the state’s revenue. One of the aspects applied is the question of land development in Melaka through the introduction of the Melaka-Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ) project. This development project involves the development of an area of 10,117 hectares along the coast of Central Melaka. However, the results of this development planning have directly triggered a polemic among state policy planners and the National Heritage Department, since this development involves several very sensitive issues. Among the issues that are often raised is the preservation and conservation of the heritage and history of the state of Melaka. Therefore, the writing of this article will describe the role and process of Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) as a conflict-solving tool in assessing the implications, as well as provide recommendations and mitigation measures that need to be implemented in any area to be developed, especially in the aspect of maritime HIA study, to enable both the sustainable development and maintenance of the historical heritage of the state of Melaka to move in line with development. Highlights HIA acts as a conflict-solving tool in the dispute of heritage versus development in the Melaka coastal area Methodology used in the HIA study involves local oral history (interviewing informants), scientific survey, and visual survey Artifacts found in the Melaka coastal area in this HIA study are not so significant to the state's heritage and history Developers need to be careful during the reclamation stage as precautionary measures The establishment of the Heritage Impact Assessment study is a significant step forward regarding the conservation and protection of the cultural World Heritage values