Biocultural Resilience and Local Water Rituals for Disaster Risk Reduction: Upland Contributions to Coastal City Sustainability through the Iriban System in Lerep Tourism Village, Indonesia
Faisal Yusuf

Universitas Semarang

Abstract

Rural upland communities play a critical role in maintaining the hydrological stability of nearby coastal cities, particularly those dependent on watershed systems. This study examines the Iriban water ritual in Lerep Tourism Village-an upland settlement in Central Java-and its role in strengthening community and ecological resilience. Using interviews, participant observation, and simple NDVI and Water Environmental Carrying Capacity (WECC) assessments, the research shows that Iriban contributes to spring stability, vegetation protection, and collective water governance. Although performed in an upland context, Iriban indirectly supports the resilience of Semarang as a downstream coastal city by enhancing watershed regulation. The findings highlight that culturally embedded practices can serve as practical, low-cost strategies for disaster risk reduction across upland-coastal systems. Integrating TEK-based governance into broader coastal sustainability and disaster management policies is recommended.

Keywords: Iriban- biocultural resilience- traditional ecological knowledge- coastal cities- water governance- disaster risk reduction.

Topic: Social and Cultural Dimensions in Coastal Cities