Definition of Coastal Boundary

A coastal boundary is an area located along the coastline that has an important function in maintaining the balance of the coastal ecosystem. According to Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 51 of 2016, coastal boundaries are designated as areas that must not be used for activities that can damage the environment, such as heavy infrastructure development. This boundary functions as protection for the coastal ecosystem and as a buffer zone to reduce the impact of human activities.

Coastal boundaries also play a role in maintaining biodiversity. Mangrove forests, for example, are an integral part of coastal boundaries that provide habitat for various species of fish and birds. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (2024) shows that the area of mangrove forests in Indonesia reaches 3.5 million hectares, which contributes greatly to the health of the coastal ecosystem. The existence of abrasion-resistant plants on coastal boundaries also helps in maintaining water quality and reducing pollution.

However, despite being important, coastal boundaries are often ignored in spatial planning. Many areas allow development on coastal boundaries, which can cause severe environmental damage. Therefore, a better understanding of the definition and function of coastal boundaries needs to be improved so that coastal area management can be carried out sustainably.