Revitalising Semarang’s Coastal Area: Balancing Tourism, Heritage Conservation and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract Semarang’s coastal area faces multidimensional challenges, including rapid urban development, land subsidence, environmental degradation, and the deterioration of historic urban districts. This study aims to formulate a comprehensive revitalisation strategy that balances tourism development, heritage conservation, and environmental sustainability. Employing an exploratory qualitative method, the research integrates thematic analysis of policy documents, stakeholder perspectives, national and international best practices, and a weighted SWOT analysis. The results indicate that while the area holds high potential for cultural and ecological tourism—with 19 identified attractions and rich historical assets—it is critically threatened by tidal flooding, mangrove ecosystem loss, and spatial conflicts with industrial activities. The revitalisation strategy developed includes: (1) promoting community-based educational tourism; (2) conserving historical assets through cultural storytelling and adaptive reuse; (3) rehabilitating coastal ecosystems via mangrove reforestation; and (4) applying adaptive zoning and infrastructure planning to accommodate environmental vulnerabilities. The study also reveals that institutional fragmentation, gentrification risks, and weak enforcement of environmental regulations pose significant barriers. To overcome these, an inclusive governance framework is proposed. This framework involves collaboration between local government, communities, the private sector, and international actors, and is crucial for the successful implementation of the proposed strategy. The conclusion affirms that a resilient and identity-based coastal revitalisation model—rooted in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)—is essential for ensuring long-term environmental protection, socio-economic equity, and cultural preservation. This research contributes actionable insights for urban policy and spatial planning, offering a replicable model for sustainable coastal revitalisation in Indonesia and comparable urban regions.