Assessing Household-Level Community Resilience to Coastal Hazards in Climate-Vulnerable Areas of Jepara, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change poses a severe threat to coastal environments, increasing the frequency of hydrometeorological disasters and heightening community vulnerability. Panggung Village, Jepara, is a critical coastal area facing multi-hazard risks, including extreme weather, significant abrasion (2.27 m/year), and frequent tidal flooding. This study evaluates community capacity using the Livelihood Capital approach (human, social, financial, natural, and physical capital). While most previous studies rely on sampling methods, this research employs a household-level census method to provide more representative and granular data on community resilience. Data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and field observations in the highest-risk areas, specifically Neighborhood Units (locally Rukun Tetangga or RT) 10 and 11 within Community Unit (Rukun Warga or RW) 03. Analytical methods included scoring, Chi-square tests, and Spearman’s correlation. The results indicate that the community possesses a moderate capacity level. Human capital emerged as the strongest asset due to good public health, while financial capital was the lowest, hindered by precarious livelihood dependency on natural resources and a “cycle of debt.” Statistical analysis revealed significant inter-capital synergies, such as the strong relationship between human and physical capital. The study highlights the need for disaster risk management education to align local wisdom with scientific perspectives, minimizing future risks.