Design for Reviving Post-Submergence Settlements in Dusun Semonet, Pekalongan

Abstract

Dusun Semonet is facing the threat of permanent submergence due to severe land subsidence and rising sea levels. These worsening conditions have made the area uninhabitable, causing the community to leave their homes. Once a lively place where people lived closely with the coast and relied on fishing, Dusun Semonet now stands as a clear example of how climate change affects vulnerable coastal areas. This study presents a design proposal to help bring life back to the area using a resilient approach. The concept includes stilt houses built above the water and floating walkways to maintain connectivity. It also provides facilities that support traditional livelihoods, such as fishing and aquaculture, directly on the water. This proposal offers a real response to climate threats by turning challenges into new possibilities. Instead of resisting nature, the design adapts to it. The water becomes a platform for living, working, and social interaction. In doing so, the design not only addresses the effects of climate change but also helps restore the resilience, sustainability, and identity of the coastal community.