Enhancing coastal resilience through policy implementation and community empowerment

Abstract

This study aims to examine the implementation of coastal policies and community empowerment in Simeulue Regency, a remote island area in Indonesia, in order to strengthen coastal resilience amid socioeconomic and environmental challenges. Using a qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods, the study explores policy execution and empowerment practices through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis involving local stakeholders such as government officials, coastal communities, and private sector actors. The findings reveal that policy implementation is hindered by regulatory misalignment between national, provincial, and district governments, weak inter-agency coordination, limited infrastructure, and low community participation. Empowerment programs, while targeting key sectors such as fisheries, marine-based industries, and tourism, often fail to address local needs due to top-down planning and inadequate stakeholder collaboration. Strengthening coastal resilience in Simeulue requires inclusive governance, enhanced coordination among government levels, and stronger community-driven empowerment models supported by infrastructure investment and access to technology and education. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design more adaptive and participatory coastal development frameworks. Integrating local knowledge, improving inter-sectoral synergy, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships are critical to sustaining community empowerment and resilience in remote island regions.