The Reclamation Impact on Livelihoods and Coastal Environment of Tanjung Uma, Batam

Abstract

Coastal settlements have an important role as an interface between land and sea are the main income’s source for local residents. Their daily lives are strongly linked to the coastal environment, and that’s why they are sensitive to environmental change and urbanization. The research aims to identify physical and social aspects of coastal villages, inspect their livelihoods, and evaluate the economic effects of land reclamation. The purpose of this study is to identify the physical and social characteristics of coastal villages, to study their livelihoods and to assess the economic impact of land reclamation. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method, including field observations, interviews with local residents and fishermen, and literature reviews of coastal settlements and environmental changes caused by reclamation. The results show that reclamation has had a large impact on the water quality of the coastal areas. There have been increases in turbidity, sedimentation and a decline in the quality of the marine ecosystem. These changes directly impact on fish catches and fishermen are faced with having to go out further to sea with increased operating costs and reduced productivity. This has led to a sharp decrease in the income and well-being of the populations of the coastal settlements, especially those whose main source of income is fishing. Finally, the social and economic viability of local populations has been affected by changes in the coastal environment. Therefore, Tanjung Uma needs a sustainable coastal environment management to reduce the conflict of urban development, environmental preservation, and the welfare of the coastal population.