Integrating ecological footprint in spatial planning: assessing land use, food security, and sustainability in Indonesia

Abstract

     Background: Rapid urbanization and population growth in Indonesia have placed immense pressure on land resources and biodiversity, with spatial planning policies often failing to adequately incorporate ecological footprint considerations. This study aims to assess the impact of Indonesia's regional spatial plans on sustainable land use, food security, and biodiversity preservation by examining how these plans account for agricultural needs and ecological carrying capacity. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of ecological footprint management in supporting sustainable development, but few have addressed its application within the Indonesian spatial planning context. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining quantitative data analysis of land allocation and agricultural productivity data from the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics with a qualitative review of policies, including the Law on Job Creation and strategic spatial planning documents. These data were analyzed to determine the relationship between land-use allocation and ecological sustainability, particularly focusing on urban areas such as Jabodetabek. Findings: Results indicate that over 50% of regional spatial plans allocate insufficient land for agriculture, contributing to reduced biodiversity, elevated carbon emissions from transportation, and increased vulnerability in food security, as exemplified by the low agricultural allocation in urban agglomerations. The study also finds that existing policies favor residential and industrial land use, which intensifies pressure on agricultural land and undermines the potential for regional self-sufficiency. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for spatial planning policies in Indonesia to incorporate ecological footprint assessments to better support sustainable development and food security goals. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research introduces an ecological footprint perspective to spatial planning in Indonesia, providing a unique model for integrating sustainability considerations into land-use policy. It offers innovative insights into balancing urban growth with ecological sustainability in the Indonesian context, an approach that has been largely unexplored in previous studies.