Developing a Geographic Information System-Based Assessment Model for Sustainable Metropolitan Development: The Case of the Semarang Metropolitan Region, Indonesia

Abstract

Spatial dynamics of metropolitan development are becoming important issues in sustainable development. In developing countries like Indonesia, the growth of metropolitan regions is often followed by problems of unsustainability. Therefore, a framework of assessment for metropolitan development can be useful as an early means of identifying any untoward aspects. This study aims to develop an assessment system that is easily applicable (user-friendly) in assessing metropolitan development in Indonesia. It is a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial model formulated as a simple Decision Support System (DSS), within which information can be queried down to district (kecamatan) level. As a test case, the model was applied in the Semarang Metropolitan Region of Central Java. The results show that it is capable of documenting and assessing the level of sustainability of the region. However, the lack of data at the kecamatan level is the main barrier to the application and development of the technique. Consequently, an in-depth study involving intensive dissemination of the concept, initiative and promulgation of initial results is subsequently proposed so that awareness of the local decision makers of the Indonesian government can be improved.

Dimensions of Community and Local Institutions’ Support: Towards an Eco-Village Kelurahan in Indonesia

“…Relocalization and spatial decentralization, as encouraged by the eco-village concept, are often considered automatically able to lead to long-term sustainability. However, there are problems at the urban and metropolitan levels also in need of a variety of improvement strategies, among which are those developed in the model of sustainable metropolitan development for Semarang [28]. It is not surprising then that Xue proposed and demonstrated that multi-scalar strategies considering the multifaceted relation between typical social transformation and spatial development are needed to ensure sustainable urban development.…”

Towards Low Emission Development: Prospects of Applying MBIs in the Industrial Sector of Central Java, Indonesia

“…The concept of Equity-Based (Regional) Development (EBRD) by Sugiri (2009) can address the challenges of sustainability, particularly for resource-rich economies like Indonesia. Studies applying the concept have been on various issues, from spatial inequality (Sugiri and Nuraini, 2013), in which the researchers have found that it is inequity that should be addressed first to resolve the spatial inequality problem, to sustainability assessment of the Semarang metropolitan development (Buchori et al, 2015).…”

Preliminary Identification of Urban Park Infrastructure Resilience in Semarang Central Java

“…In recent development, Semarang faces various complex environmental problems, such as flood and inundated area [20,21]. The inundated area, climate hazard and other environmental issues in Semarang is tend to increase have an impact on the deterioration of the quality of the environment.…”