Asian Journal of Environmental Research
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): May-August

Do flood-affected Communities Express a Desire to Migrate or not?

Aini Nur Furoida (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia)
Akhyar Siddiq (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia)
Chetrine Alya Rinaima (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia)
Waridin (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Aug 2026

Abstract

The study investigates migration intentions and reasons why residents prefer to remain rather than relocate in flood-prone coastal rural areas of Pekalongan Regency, Indonesia. An Exploratory mixed-method approach was employed, involving quantitative analysis of 218 respondents using descriptive statistics and cross tabulation, complemented by in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected informants. The findings reveal that only 20% respondents expressed an intention to migrate despite experiencing persistent environmental degradation and economic hardship. Longer residence, participation in community adaptation, strong social nertworks, road accessibility, and econonomic lossess were associated with migration intentions; however, these environmental and infrastructural constraints did not necessarily translate into a greater willingness to relocate, as most affected households preferred to remain. Qualitative  findings indicate that loyalty to place, strong neighborhood bonding, asset ownership, and livelihood continuity are the primary reasons for staying. The results suggest that migration is considered a last-resort adaptation strategy, while in-situ adaptation remains the preferred response. Understanding why communities choose to remain in harzard-prone areas is essential for designing climate adaptation strategies that respect local values, reduce the risk of involuntary displacement, and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly in vulnerable social regions of Southeast Asia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ajer

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Materials Science & Nanotechnology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Asian Journal of Environmental Research (AJER) is an International journal with a frequency of 3 (three) times a year, published by the Science Tech Group. Manuscripts submitted must be original Research Articles and Literature Reviews that aim to contribute to and disseminate sustainable updates. ...