Collaborative Governance in Urban Flood Management: A Legal Perspective from Semarang City

Abstract

Indonesia is highly prone to disasters, particularly floods that cause extensive socio-economic losses. Semarang City ranks among the most vulnerable urban areas due to its low-lying topography, rapid urbanization, and diminishing water catchment capacity. This study addresses the gap between the increasing frequency of floods and the limited effectiveness of mitigation strategies, focusing mainly on physical infrastructure. Using an empirical juridical approach, this research examines flood mitigation strategies in Semarang City in accordance with Law No. 24 of 2007 by evaluating structural and non-structural measures and their implementation challenges. Primary data were obtained through interviews, complemented by secondary legal literature, and analyzed qualitatively. The results indicate that effective mitigation requires strengthened infrastructure, such as embankments, retention ponds, and pumps, and active community involvement through education, evacuation simulations, and social media outreach by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). The study contributes a cross-sectoral collaboration model integrating government, communities, private actors, and modern technology. It recommends sustainable spatial planning, digital-based early warning systems, long-term financing mechanisms, and institutionalized community participation to build urban flood resilience.