6. Conclusions and recommendations

Large parts of the coastal zone of Central Java are transforming from a rural areas into industrial/residential zones. This will benefit the socio-economic development of the region, but, at the same time, this transition poses the biggest threat for the coastal area: land-subsidence and flooding, water pollution and loss of riverine and marine ecosystems is to be expected.

The provincial government of Central Java mainly focuses on the socio-economic benefits and facilitates this transition. However, more focus is needed on the sustainability aspects and preparing the necessary environmental infrastructure. The promotion of industrial zones focuses on available space, connections and low wages, while linkages to departments that are focussing on sustainability issues (e.g. departments focusing on groundwater and mangrove restoration) are lacking.

In the ICZM project, the province wanted to focus on managing the mangrove degradation. However, this degradation problem (however relevant) is already widely recognized and several initiatives are ongoing to restore and conserve mangrove areas. The focus on industry is lacking possibly because this is a sensitive topic.

While industrialisation seems to be highly appreciated and facilitated, fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture, on the other hand, are regarded as of secondary importance. Given the importance of these sectors for the employment of low-skilled laborers and the food security of Indonesia, it is recommended to give more attention (and appreciation) to these sectors: sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture are an integral, important part of any IZCM plan.

6.2 Recommendations

Below several recommendations are listed divided structured along the 5 capacities as provided in the table below:

Recommendation table of ICZM central Java.png

Institutional capacity

Produce a clear vision on the future of the coastal zone as this will allow all different involved parties to work towards the same goal related to sustainable development of the coast of Central Java. The use of scenario’s (different population growth, climate change scenario’s and economic development) will help to implement adaptive planning.
A Central Java ICZM Protocol (signed by all stakeholders including a vision) might contribute to better vertical and horizontal coordination. A supporting and monitoring centre (like PAP/RAC) would also be beneficial as this keeps all stakeholders aware of the commitments under such a Protocol and can support implementation of (sectoral) policies based on the Protocol.
It is highly recommended that the province widens their current ICZM scope to probably the most important ICZM topic: managing the impact of industrialization and urbanisation in the coastal zone. Conserving groundwater reserves in subsidence-prone areas, state-of-the art waste water treatment and effective waste management should be integral part of the development of industrial parks. To do so, the departments working on natural resources and the industrial department need to be better connected. This could for example be done by setting up a monthly ICZM meeting with all departments (incl. industry) to discuss ongoing matters in the coastal zone.
Future development challenges regarding climate change, natural disasters, and rapid development dynamics require planning tools that can respond to changes that occur more dynamically. Also we suggest taking up clear indicators (as specific as possible) in spatial plans so that all involved parties know what is expected of them. This also makes enforcement easier.

Knowledge capacity

In the last years an ICZM centre was developed at UNDIP. A suggestion is to always have an expert of the ICZM centre involved in big coastal developments so that the ICZM elements and perspectives are always addressed early in the development process.

Connective capacity

Creating an inclusive process in which all stakeholders are treated equally and involved early on ensures that the vision and strategy are supported by most actors that are involved in the coastal area. This does not only include local governments but also e.g. nature organizations and representation from industries.
Planning tools also need to open up opportunities for community involvement and be in line with existing technological developments
There is an opportunity to connect to stakeholders such as industrial companies and together work on the sustainability of the area by for example signing an agreement on what it means to have a sustainable business in central java. For example the Alliance for Water Stewardship model can be used here.

Financing capacity

To implement projects that contribute to ICZM financing is needed. In order to attract private finance for ICZM projects one needs to generate revenues, direct cash income flows for the project initiator or developer. These can come from land reclamation and urban development. Yearly incomes (revenues) can be used to pay for operating costs. It is advised to actively ensure private sector involvement (i.e. the management of the industrial area, management of toll-road, commercial tax, construction tax) to implement ICZM projects (such as wastewater treatment plants and making fresh water available from surface water instead of letting industry pump up ground water).

Learning capacity

Learning and developing knowledge and capacities are elements that are crosscutting and needed in every government organisation. To be able to adapt to and improve future situations good monitoring and evaluation is needed. As ICZM is new to Central Java, there is not yet a standard monitoring and evaluation system. Our recommendation is to implement a plan-do-check-act cycle in which policy and implementation of policy is checked in reality so that proper adjustments can be made whenever needed.
It is suggested to give trainings on ICZM throughout the province as a whole (also the departments that are involved in general spatial planning and industrial development) so staff will become aware of the complexity that is present in the coastal zone.