Speaker
Description
Children are among the most affected yet least involved groups in urban flood resilience planning, particularly in coastal areas facing increasing risks due to climate change. In Indonesia, cities like Semarang, Jakarta, Demak, and Pekalongan are at the forefront of these challenges. Many children in these areas live in informal settlements where frequent flooding disrupts their daily lives. Beyond interruptions to education and family dynamics, some children are forced to join the workforce to support their families, highlighting the complex socio-economic impacts of climate change on this vulnerable group.
This study serves as a preliminary exploration of children’s experiences, perspectives, and potential roles in flood resilience planning. Drawing on data from a representative sample of children across four coastal cities, the research provides insights into the multifaceted ways climate change affects their lives. Flooding has been identified as a major disruptor, leading to school closures, heightened mental stress, and strained family relationships. Children also reported challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation during flood events, which further exacerbates health issues.
The study also investigates children’s awareness of climate change, their understanding of flood risks, and their views on solutions. While some demonstrate a basic understanding of climate-related challenges, their access to information and opportunities to contribute to mitigation efforts remain significantly limited. This exclusion leaves a critical gap in flood resilience planning, as children’s unique perspectives and resilience strategies are often overlooked.
In response to these findings, this paper advocates for actionable interventions to integrate children’s voices into urban resilience planning. Recommendations include establishing platforms for youth participation in community decision-making, integrating climate education into school curricula, and fostering intergenerational collaboration to align community priorities with children’s needs. Additionally, policies should address the socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by children in informal settlements, ensuring access to education and safeguarding their well-being during climate-induced disruptions.
By amplifying children’s voices and recognizing their potential as agents of change, this study underscores the necessity of inclusive approaches to flood resilience planning. Although preliminary, the findings provide a foundation for further research and advocacy to better integrate children into climate adaptation strategies, ultimately supporting the development of more equitable and sustainable coastal urban communities in Indonesia.
References
Chowdhury, Mahabub, and Marjina Masud. 2020. “Impact of Flood Induced Migration on Livelihood and Gender Relation: A Study on Chilmari, Kurigram.” International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology 5 (5): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.33564/IJEAST.2020.v05i05.001.
| Keywords | Children’s perspectives; Flood resilience planning; Climate change impacts |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
