Integrating risk management into the urban spatial planning process

This study discusses the performance of the spatial planning process in Surabaya. It proposes the integration of risk management into the spatial planning process, which is not covered by current regulations. The study assesses current planning practices in the drafting of the Surabaya Regional Plan and Surabaya Detailed Plan using content analysis and scoring assessment based on a set of key performance indicators. The content analysis is implemented based on input from nine key stakeholders. Surabaya’s spatial planning process is ineffective in decreasing future risks due to an absence of specific regulations that integrate risk management into the process. Moreover, the city has no special concern for disaster risk reduction since the Government is unaware of the potential impacts of the risks that Surabaya faces. There is inadequate information on potential hazards and the city has a limited understanding of risk management. Meanwhile, modifying spatial planning regulations may increase the integration of risk management within the spatial planning process. In order to accomplish this, the requisites are mainstreaming risk management in the early stage of the spatial planning process and applying a scientific approach to data collection and analysis in conjunction with building stakeholder commitment at the end of the process. The study proposes a new spatial planning process in drafting effective plans that encompass disaster risk reduction in Indonesia.