Integrated Coastal Design and Engineering: Sustainable Approaches for Resilient Coast Communities.

Jakarta, 29 April 2024, Indonesia, renowned as the world’s largest archipelago with a sea territory of 7.9 million sq km, boast a vast and diverse coastline that stretches over 54,000 kilometers. Yet, this maritime beauty faces escalating threats from coastal erosion, compelling urgent action to safeguard the nation’s coastal communities.

Recognizing the imperative of addressing these challenges, BINUS University and Hasanuddin University who are the members of NUNI (Nationwide University Network in Indonesia) step forward as a beacon of innovation in proposing sustainable approaches to integrated coastal design and engineering (ICDE) aimed at fortifying Indonesia’s coastal resilience.

Mrs. Religiana Hendarti, ST., MT., Ph.D., the Head of the Faculty of Engineering‘s Internalization & Partnership Program, underscored that this seminar was initiated by BINUS University’s architecture and civil engineering departments with Hasanuddin University. It serves as a pivotal platform for addressing Indonesia’s coastal erosion crisis and redefining coastal zone management strategies.

Moreover, Dr. Oki Setyandito, S.T., M.Eng., IPM., the Head of BINUS Civil Engineering Department, emphasized the impact of climate change on rising sea levels and subsequent land reduction, particularly evident in Bali. He accentuated beach nourishment as a fundamental element of integrated coastal zone management in mitigating severe erosion threats, emphasizing its environmentally conscious approach.

The second speaker, Prof. Dr. Ir. Muh. Arsyad Thaha, MT. IPM., the Head of Indonesian Society of Coastal Engineers and Scientists (ISoCES), stressed the importance of integrating engineering and design to enhance coastal resilience, hence the sustainable approaches are needed to address issues like tsunami risks and coastal erosion.

Lastly, Ir. Noegroho, ST. MLP., an expert in Subject Content within BINUS University’s Architecture Department, presented case studies from Indonesia showcasing successful implementations of sustainable coastal management practices. He elaborated on achieving the balance between using hard and soft structures for coastal protection.

Therefore, numerous techniques exist for coastal protection, including mangrove reforestation and the construction of seawalls, essential for preserving ecosystems while integrating engineering practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal communities.