Abstract
Extractive industries have triggered rapid urban development. Some of those cities were designed with a proper master plan, while others grew organically following externalities of the industries. In the case of mining-based cities, some cities are struggling to keep up with the economic stagnation and decline of the living environment quality after the mining slowdown. The similar condition was also affecting small mining cities in Indonesia. This paper focuses on the transformation of one of the coal mining cities in Indonesia. The case of Batu Licin district discusses the first stage of rejuvenating this small city through ecological approaches based on local capacity. As the capital of one of the sub-districts of Tanah Bumbu Regency, Batu Licin is known as one of the major hubs for coal shipping and palm oil activities in South of Kalimantan. The city is located at the edge of a strait, and most of the area is swampy. The study analyses that during the peak of mining activity, the city expansion was to provide settlements and accessibility, but less concerned about the environmental aspects. This large scale of exploitation and largely unplanned land use put the city into the degradation of environmental quality such as the sustainability of water supply and flood. The main challenge is to encourage local people to live in harmony with water. Nevertheless, the discussion concerning water management has not been smooth. The transition from conventional to more advanced approaches such as water sensitive urban design (WSUD) takes time for adjustment and implementation. Despite those problems, the study finds that WSUD has the potential to manage urban water as part of the sustainable cycle to improve environmental quality as well as the aesthetic aspect of the urban landscape. The study also points out that living in harmony with water means to design settlements that adapt to local conditions, in particular the swamp areas. Another point to address is the involvement of all stakeholders to develop awareness and support from the community.
