The 2025 Global Ocean Development Forum opened in Qingdao City, East China’s Shandong Province, on 7 August 2025. Source: imsilkroad.com
Banda Aceh, the epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed more than 166,000 lives and caused IDR 49 trillion in damages, remains a stark wake-up call to coastal vulnerability. Today, the city faces mounting climate threats, including sea level rise and increasingly frequent tidal flooding.
Its disaster recovery and long-term coastal resilience journey served as the backdrop of Banda Aceh’s participation in the 2025 Global Ocean Development Forum.
Taking place from September 7 to 9, 2025 in Qingdao City, East China, the annual forum attracted nearly 700 participants from more than 70 countries and regions, including representatives from international organizations, governments, enterprises, and academic institutions worldwide.
The global forum, co-facilitated by ICLEI East Asia, included 11 key events, including the opening ceremony, the main forum, a Mayors’ Dialogue on Ocean Cities, four parallel sessions, and five themed activities.
Ir. Jalaluddin, ST, MT, City Secretary of Banda Aceh, is seen presenting during the Mayors’ Dialogue on day two of the event, 8 September 2025.
Banda Aceh City was represented by City Secretary Ir. Jalaluddin, ST, MT, who spoke during the Mayors’ Dialogue on the second day, 8 September 2025. He shared insights on Banda Aceh’s coastal resilience efforts and its disaster risk reduction strategies.
“In Banda Aceh the most potential disaster risks caused by sea level rise due to climate change are tidal floods and tsunamis. Mitigation measures focus on reducing the impact of tsunamis and tidal flooding, providing evacuation facilities and infrastructure, and increasing public awareness. Crucially, integrating policies, data, and resources related to coastal hazards from sea level rise is key to improving urban resilience,” he said.
The city reports that a temperature rise of 1 to 1.5°F (0.56°C to 0.83°C) is already affecting the region and community. Although this rise may appear modest, it has significant ecological consequences, including coral bleaching, shifts in fish distribution, and increased ocean temperature.
For Banda Aceh, the impacts are apparent: more frequent tidal flooding affecting residences and businesses; worsening coastal erosion that threatens roads and mangroves; and saltwater contaminating freshwater sources, putting agriculture and water supplies at risk. On top of that, higher sea levels make storms and tsunamis even more dangerous—something the city knows all too well.
In an effort to boost resilience, Banda Aceh’s readiness is measured across five key areas. First, institutional governance, including planning, public services, and technical support. Second, socio-economic factors, including social capital, livelihoods, and economic stability. Third, coastal resource management, focusing on protecting habitats and involving the community. Fourth, land use management, including safe policies and building standards. Finally, adaptation and mitigation strategies address risk awareness, early warning, emergency response, and resource mobilization.
Together, these parameters help assess and strengthen the city’s resilience to climate and disaster risks.
During the event, ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin also highlighted the critical role of cities in addressing ocean challenges. He remarked, “Seas and oceans provide many economic opportunities and development. But at the same time, we face enormous challenges of pollution and degradation of our oceans and seas. Because seas and oceans are shared natural resources, we must cooperate with cities, provinces, and central governments in the region to tackle the challenges of ocean pollution and degradation.”
As part of ICLEI network cities, Banda Aceh is committed to sustainability efforts and advocates the vital role of cities in confronting intensifying climate threats.
