Reveal Risk-Based Planning: The Key Aspects of Risk Communication and The Roles of Actors in Subang Coastal Area, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines risk communication and actor involvement in risk-based planning (RBP) in a developing country, Indonesia, where differing understandings of this concepts and limited stakeholder interest may pose challenges hindering effective implementation. RBP integrates natural hazard risks into spatial planning through effective communication and multi-actor involvement. Utilizing qualitative research methods, we conducted a single case study in a coastal area of Subang Regency in West Java Province, Indonesia which represents a prone area to slow-onset hazards. In-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community representatives. Data were analyzed using coding techniques and a power–interest stakeholder analysis. This study reveals that risk communication remains disaster-focused rather than spatial planning; the resource consent stage is omitted, creating a gap between regulations and community expectations; public involvement in spatial planning is indirect; actor involvement is hindered by authority fragmentation; limited authority and regulatory constraints hinder effective decision-making in regency government, impacting village officials who are more trusted. We recommend developing clear national RBP guidelines, improving risk communication strategies, clarifying inter-governmental authority, and integrating community risk acceptance assessments into spatial plans. These measures would increase stakeholder awareness to shift the focus from disaster response to proactive spatial planning.