Perception of Climate Change and Settlement Density as the Cause of

Flooding in Bungurasih Waru Sidoarjo

Nugroho Hari Purnomo

1 a

, Muzayanah

1 b

, Mohd Azmeer Abu Bakar

, Lidya Lestari Sitohang

Aida Kurniawati

, Dian Ayu Larasati

, Ita Mardiani Zein

and Eko Budiyanto

Geography Education, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Ketintang, Surabaya, Indonesia

School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Keywords: Climate Change, Floods, Dense Settlements.

Abstract: This study focuses on the high risk of flooding in Waru Village, Sidoarjo, caused by the overflow of the

Buntung River, Sidoarjo. This condition is exacerbated by climate change and housing density. This study

aims to analyze public perceptions related to climate change, hot temperatures and land development as

contributors to flooding. This study is an urgent need to increase public awareness of disaster risks, especially

those related to flooding and is important for disaster mitigation and adaptation. This study contributes to the

academic field by filling the gap in understanding how public perceptions of climate change relate to everyday

life experiences, especially flooding and hot temperatures. The results of the study indicate that the flooding

experienced by the Bungurasih Village community in Sidoarjo formed a high public perception of the

statement that climate change causes natural disasters, one of which is flooding. The community has a high

perception that one of the causes of flooding is land development, which worsens flood conditions.

1 INTRODUCTION

Climate change has a global impact, affecting various

aspects of the environment in both urban and rural

areas. In urban areas, climate change increases the

urban heat island phenomenon, which is an increase

in temperature in densely populated areas due to

reduced green space and changes in land use

(Lasaiba, 2022). Meanwhile, in rural areas, climate

change is often associated with increasing levels of

poverty (Sunito, et al., 2019). Coastal communities

face the threat of rising sea levels that slow water

flow, causing a higher risk of flooding for urban

residents with dense and irregular settlements (Ulfa,

2018). Climate change has a direct impact on the

urban poor, who are characterized by dense and

irregular settlements that respond to high rainfall and

cause flooding (Adib, 2014).

Views on climate change vary widely across

different levels of society. Elite groups, such as

scientists, educated people, and policy makers, tend

to understand climate change as changes in the

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4404-5318

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7848-4605

pattern and intensity of climate elements compared

over a certain period of time, usually 30 years. In

contrast, the general public more often associates

climate change with changes in land use and natural

phenomena that they experience directly, such as

floods and droughts (Aldrian, E. Karmini, M.

Budiman, 2011). Community understanding of

climate change is influenced by their real experiences

of the impacts of disasters in their environment, in

contrast to scientific understanding which is more

abstract and comprehensive (Handoko, et al., 2018).

In his study of the impacts of climate change from a

community perspective, Handoko conducted an

analysis of community perceptions of climate change

by considering aspects of community exposure to

floods and droughts in their daily lives. In other

words, understanding of climate change has different

characteristics where at the elite level the emphasis is

on comprehensive insight, while climate change at

the community level is a concrete experience of

disasters in the environment in which they live.

Recent observations indicate that the impacts of

climate change are becoming more frequent and

348

Purnomo, N. H., Muzayanah, , Bakar, M. A. A., Sitohang, L. L., Kurniawati, A., Larasati, D. A., Zein, I. M. and Budiyanto, E.

Perception of Climate Change and Settlement Density as the Cause of Flooding in Bungurasih Waru Sidoarjo.

DOI: 10.5220/0013419700004654

In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science (ICHELS 2024), pages 348-353

ISBN: 978-989-758-752-8

extreme, increasing the need for community

resilience to disasters. However, communities are

often reluctant to adapt or mitigate if they are not

provided with adequate information about the

impacts of climate change (Gemeda, et al. 2023).

Perceptions and beliefs about climate change play an

important role in driving the adaptation process that

will be carried out by communities (Cohen, et al.

2019). Boon-Falleur, 2022, emphasizes the

importance of social cognitive mechanisms, such as

norms, reputation, and justice, in building effective

climate change awareness (Boon-Falleur, et al.,

2022). The way relationships between humans work

can be viewed from three social cognitive

mechanisms, namely norms, reputation management,

and justice calculations. The relationship between the

three will determine effective mitigation.

This also occurs in several regions in Indonesia.

Previous research by Handoko, et al in Batanghari

village showed that community perception of the

phenomenon of climate change is understood in

relation to changes in land use. Their understanding

of climate change is associated with flooding and

drought events (Handoko, et al, 2018). The results of

this study are interesting because the idea of climate

change that is discussed massively and widely by

elites is understood using direct experience by the

community. However, there are limitations in this

study, namely that it does not specifically discuss

community perceptions of climate change using

temperature parameters. This is important

considering that the issue of climate change is

understood using generalizations of numerical data or

without including a description of in-depth insight

into how climate change occurs when narrated. This

research proposal aims to fill this gap.

Several studies have been conducted by other

researchers to analyze the community aspect in

dealing with flood disasters. The studies consist of

identifying the level of flood hazard (Bertilsson et al.,

2019), characterizing the flood resilience of urban

communities (Fristyananda & Idajati. 2017),

increasing community resilience to floods (Auladi, et

al, 2022). In general, community and stakeholder

aspects are linked to adaptation and mitigation of

flood disasters (Bakar, et al, 2018; Isa et al., 2013).

Based on this background, the formulation of the

problem in this study is how is the level of community

perception of climate change and land development

that causes flooding in Bungurasih Waru Sidoarjo?

There has not been much literature on the

parameters of land development and flooding in

analyzing the impact of climate change. Most of the

literature related to community and stakeholder

aspects is linked to adaptation and mitigation of flood

disasters ((Bakar, et al, 2018; Isa et al., 2013). The

advantage of the study developed in this study is the

regional context, specifically the peri-urban area in

linking climate change, flooding, land changes and

community perception.

2 METHOD

This study was conducted in Waru Village, Waru

District, Sidoarjo Regency, with a population living

in a densely populated area close to industrial areas,

provincial bus terminals, and various business

services. These conditions make the community

vulnerable to flooding, and previous flood

experiences play a role in shaping their resilience.

This study uses a descriptive method to provide

an overview of community perceptions regarding

climate change and land development as causes of

flooding. A survey approach was used to collect data

from a sample of individuals representing the village

population. The survey was conducted by filling out

a questionnaire by respondents with researcher

guidance and researcher observations at the flood

location.

The study population was heads of families

living in Waru Village, with adult family members

selected as representatives. The number of samples

was 30% of the entire population, resulting in 48

respondents. The sample selection used proportional

and incidental sampling techniques so that the

representation of respondents was evenly distributed

throughout Waru Village, Sidoarjo.

The primary data collected included the

characteristics of respondents and their perceptions of

climate change and land development factors that

were considered to cause flooding. Each perception

was analyzed quantitatively with a Likert scale to

obtain interpretations based on low, medium, or high

categories.

Primary data collected included the

characteristics of respondents and their perceptions of

climate change and land development factors that are

considered to cause flooding. Each perception was

analyzed quantitatively with a Likert scale to obtain

an interpretation based on the categories of low,

medium, or high. The questions given were:

1. Education

2. Occupation

3. Information on disasters and climate change

a. Source of information on the term climate

change

b. The word climate change

Perception of Climate Change and Settlement Density as the Cause of Flooding in Bungurasih Waru Sidoarjo

349

4. Perceptions related to climate change events

(Likert), with the questions:

a. Increased daily temperatures

b. Heavy rain events

c. Tornado events

d. Dengue fever events

5. Perception that climate change causes hot

temperatures (Likert), with the questions:

a. The increase in industrial buildings pollutes the

air so that rain becomes heavier

b. The density of motor vehicles pollutes the air so

that rain becomes heavier

c. From year to year, the rainfall that occurs is

getting heavier

d. Sea level rise at the mouth of Kali Buntung, so

that water does not flow quickly to the sea

6. Perception that land development is the cause of

flooding (Likert), with questions

a. The addition of buildings causes water not to

seep into the ground

b. The addition of buildings causes drainage to

become narrow

c. The addition of buildings causes shallowing and

blockage of river flow

d. The addition of buildings without considering

drainage aspects

The Likert scale used is (1) strongly disagree; (2)

disagree; (3) doubtful; (4) agree and (5) strongly

agree. Each perception is divided into 5 interpretation

criteria scores, namely: (1) Weak: 0 - 33%; (2)

Medium: 34% - 67%; (3) Strong: 68% - 100%.

3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Respondent Profile

The age range of respondents in this study ranged

from 21 to 80 years, with an average age of 51 years.

Most respondents were graduates of

SMA/SMK/MAN or equivalent (54%), while 13%

had a bachelor's degree. The composition of

respondents' jobs varied; as many as 29% were

unemployed and depended on support from their

working children, while the rest worked as laborers,

self-employed, employees, and others, as presented in

Figure 1.

The respondents' jobs are quite diverse with the

composition as presented in Figure 2. As many as

29% of respondents do not work, they rely on their

children who work to support themselves.

Figure 1: Respondent's education level.

Figure 2: Respondent's job.

3.2 Disaster and Climate Change

Information

3.2.1 Floods

Most respondents in Bungurasih Village, Sidoarjo

have experienced floods. From the survey results,

only 1 respondent reported not experiencing flooding

because the floor height of his house was higher than

other houses. As many as 94% of respondents

experienced flooding with varying levels of

inundation; 44% stated that they experienced

moderate inundation, and 42% experienced low

inundation, as presented in Figure 3 below.

Figure 3: Flood incident.

ICHELS 2024 - The International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science

350

3.2.2 the Term “Climate Change”

A total of 84.5% of respondents have heard the term

"climate change." The majority get information from

social media such as YouTube, television, and

messaging applications (52%), while 16.7% from

other social media such as Facebook and Instagram.

This is in line with Anderson's research (2017), which

states that social media makes it easier for people to

access the latest information related to climate change

from various trusted sources, including scientists and

environmental journalists (Anderson, 2017).

Figure 4: Respondents' perceptions regarding the term

‘‘climate change” and sources of information.

One of the issues spread by social media is

climate change. Social media helps increase public

knowledge about climate change by providing factual

and scientifically based information that is easily

accessible (Anderson, 2017). This visual content

tends to be more effective in arousing emotions and

raising awareness than text alone. Through engaging

visualizations and narratives, social media has

succeeded in strengthening public perception that

climate change is an urgent problem that requires

immediate action (Leiserowitz, et al,. 2020).

3.2.3 Public Perception of Disasters That

Occur with Climate Change

The results of the public perception survey on disaster

events with climate change are presented in Figure 5

below:

Figure 5: Respondents' perceptions of disasters caused by

climate change.

The results of the study showed that public

perception of climate change as a cause of disasters is

quite high. Around 80% of respondents have a strong

perception that climate change has a direct impact on

disasters, especially floods. This finding is in line

with Nurhayati, et al., 2020. which revealed that

although public understanding of climate change is

still limited, they are aware of its impact on daily life.

Communities who feel the impact of climate change

are usually people who depend on natural conditions

for their livelihoods, such as farmers. Some people

understand that climate change that has occurred over

the past few decades is caused by human activities.

The level of public perception and knowledge

influences the strategies used to deal with the

negative impacts of climate change.

3.2.4 Public Perception That Climate

Change Is the Cause of Flooding

Public perception of the statement that climate change

is the cause of flooding is presented in Figure 6

below:

Figure 6: Respondents' perception that climate change is a

cause of flooding.

The results of the study showed that respondents'

perceptions of climate change as a cause of flooding

were high, 70%. People who had medium perceptions

were 20% and people who had low perceptions were

10%. With a maximum score of 144, the score

obtained was 111, so the average score percentage

was 77.10%. This value is included in the Strengh

score.

The results of this study are supported by the

direct experience of the Bungurasih Sidoarjo village

community with the flood disaster. Floods play a

major role in shaping people's perceptions of climate

change. Studies show that people who have

experienced disasters tend to believe more in the

relationship between the disaster and climate change,

compared to those who have not had similar

experiences (Spence, et al., 2011). When people

experience the direct impact of this extreme event,

they find it easier to understand the actual impact of

climate change.

Perception of Climate Change and Settlement Density as the Cause of Flooding in Bungurasih Waru Sidoarjo

351

3.2.5 Public Perception That Land

Development Is a Cause of Flooding

The public perception that land development is a

cause of flooding is presented in Figure 7 below:

Figure 7: Respondents' perception that land development is

a cause of flooding.

The tabulation results show that respondents'

perceptions of land development as a cause of high

flooding are 83%. Medium perception is 11% and low

perception is 6%. With a maximum score of 144 and

a score of 123, the average score percentage is

85.42%. This value is included in the Strength score.

Most respondents (83%) have a high perception

that land development worsens the risk of flooding.

When green spaces and open land are converted into

commercial or residential buildings, the soil's ability

to absorb rainwater is drastically reduced, increasing

the potential for flooding. This perception is

supported by the direct experience of people living in

flood-prone areas, as well as previous studies

showing a link between land development and high

flood risk in urban areas (Wang, et al., 2018; Jha, et

al., 2012).

In the urban context, public perceptions of

flooding are often related to the inability of drainage

infrastructure to accommodate increased water flow

due to land development. A study by Jha, et al., 2012.,

noted that people in large cities such as Jakarta and

Bangkok realized that drainage systems that were not

in accordance with capacity were the main cause of

flooding. They also mentioned that building

construction that reduces the water percolation area

increases the burden on the drainage system, causing

flooding in the rainy season.

In addition, public perception of land

development as a cause of flooding is often reinforced

by the socio-economic impacts caused by flooding.

When flooding causes major losses to residents, both

in terms of economy and social life, people tend to be

more critical of development policies that do not pay

attention to environmental impacts. Research by

Samwinga, 2009, found that the perception of flood

risk and losses experienced by urban communities

increased their awareness of the importance of

maintaining water catchment areas and supporting

environmentally friendly development.

The study of community perceptions of flood

disasters is important in determining their support for

adaptation policies taken by the government.

Communities tend to be more supportive of

government policies aimed at increasing resilience to

climate risks, if they believe that climate change will

have a serious impact on their lives. In other words, a

strong perception of the urgency of climate change

can lead communities to encourage collective action,

support and actively participate in policies related to

climate mitigation and adaptation [23]. This is

evidenced by the active participation of the Waru

Village community in assisting the East Java Public

Works and Water Resources Agency (PU-SDA)

during the normalization of the Kali Buntung River

which was carried out in early 2024. The community

also helped clean up garbage and water hyacinth

along the Kali Buntung River, Waru Bungurasih

Village.

4 CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the community

in Bungurasih Village, Sidoarjo, has a strong

perception that climate change plays an important

role in increasing the risk of flooding. High public

perception of the importance of climate change and

its impacts can encourage collective action to support

government policies in climate change mitigation and

adaptation. With increasing public awareness of the

dangers of climate change, it is hoped that the

community will be more proactive in supporting

sustainable environmental policies. Further research

is needed related to perceptions, knowledge and

community participation in areas experiencing

flooding, so that there is learning from one area to

another.

5 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS

Based on the researcher's direct experience in this

research process, there are limitations that are

experienced and need to be considered by future

researchers in perfecting the research results. Some

limitations in this study are:

1. The number of respondents is 48 people, of course

it is still not enough to describe the real perception

of the community.

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352

2. This study has not examined community

knowledge about flood mitigation and adaptation.

This study is useful for providing suggestions or

programs to improve community understanding

and readiness in dealing with floods at the research

location.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank the Faculty of Social and

Political Sciences, Surabaya State University for

funding this research.

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