Dimension of community capability and its effect on the social vulnerability at Semarang coastal area

Purpose Tanjung Mas, an urban village located in the northern part of Semarang city, has been facing a major impact of coastal inundation occurring along North Java Coastline. This by-product of global climate change is also affecting a 37-hectares slum, one of the largest slums in Semarang city. As the coastal flood tends to escalate every year, the affected areas must have a coping ability to reduce its impact, while also having adequate resources to recover. Considering Tanjung Mas’ dense demographic condition and its function as the city’s seaport, social vulnerability and capability play a significant role in mitigating and recovering flood impacts, in supplement to local government’s effort of strengthening the Northern Java Seawall. Therefore, this study aims to scored and correlated Tanjung Mas’ social vulnerability index (SoVI) and community capability index to assess how well its population can recover from the tidal flood in the future. Design/methodology/approach This study used the SoVI framework analysis to synthesize relevant social vulnerability indicators and community capability indicators in Tanjung Mas. The two sets of indicators were correlated with Pearson R-squared correlation method to seek a possible non-causal relation. Bivariate indices mapping method exhibit the SoVI and community capability index spatially to show every area’s vulnerability and capability level. Findings The vulnerability and capability level in Tanjung Mas vary within its smaller area, as six combinations of social vulnerability and community capability level were found. The worst combination was found on areas closer to the coastline, with high social vulnerability and low community capability level. These areas need to be strengthened in both its capability and coping ability toward coastal flood to realize a resilient community. Originality/value This study will be useful for local governments as a supplement to the strategic spatial plan, predominantly in prioritizing vulnerable area treatment prior to the completion of Northern Java Seawall in 2025. This study provides information and a simplified quantitative scoring result of vulnerability and capability level in slum area that has been customized according to Indonesia’s demographic characteristic. These results and framework might be relevant to SoVI and capability scoring in developing countries.