UNDIP, Semarang (20/3) – As a coastal city, Semarang is frequently affected by flooding during the rainy season. With increasingly heavy rainfall in recent years, many residents are questioning whether flooding is caused solely by rain or whether broader environmental factors, such as climate change, are also at play.
According to Anis Kurniasih, S.T., M.T., from the Department of Geological Engineering at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), climate change is indeed one of the causes of flooding. However, the phenomenon cannot be attributed solely to climate. Studies on coastline shifts indicate the presence of abrasion and accretion processes, which contribute to rising sea levels and increase the risk of flooding.
“Numerous studies have shown that one of the causes of flooding is climate change. This occurrence can be identified through coastline shifts, known as abrasion and accretion,” Anis explained.
In a discussion on Kentongan RRI Pro 1 Semarang (Wednesday, October 22, 2025), Anis further elaborated that while climate change drives coastline shifts, the impact varies across regions. Local environmental conditions play a crucial role in determining flood risks in each coastal area.
“The main trigger is indeed climate change, but local controlling factors also play a role. For example, local sedimentation—if a river carries a large amount of sediment into the sea, it can actually help balance the condition,” Anis added.
Anis emphasized that human activities significantly contribute to these changes. Actions such as excessive groundwater extraction, river dredging, and coastal development can worsen the situation. Rising sea levels combined with these activities intensify both abrasion and accretion, leading to greater environmental damage.
“There is definitely a significant human role. Sea level changes due to climate factors have occurred for millions of years, but human activities have made the conditions more extreme,” she stated.
To address the issue, she suggested identifying the specific types of coastal damage in each area to determine appropriate solutions, such as reclamation or the construction of sea barriers. However, she highlighted the importance of prioritizing eco-friendly approaches, such as planting mangroves. “Some measures, like building sea walls, have been implemented, but they can potentially damage ecosystems. A more environmentally friendly solution is planting mangroves in coastal areas,” Anis concluded. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Faculty of Engineering — Source: Official website of the Faculty of Engineering UNDIP)