Identification of Habitable Zones based on Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis using the Weighted Overlay Method in Sagulung District Batam City

Abstract

Urban growth in Batam City has increased the need for suitable residential land, making habitability assessment crucial in supporting sustainable spatial planning. This study aims to identify habitable zones in Sagulung District using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Weighted Overlay analysis. Ten parameters were evaluated: flood risk, landslide risk, slope gradient, soil type, distance to road networks, hospitals, schools, markets, police/government offices, and river networks. The weight of each parameter was determined based on expert assessments from the National Land Agency (BPN), the Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA), and the Batam City Housing, Settlement, and Land Agency (Perkimtan). The results showed that flood risk (20%) and distance to road networks (19%) were the most influential factors on the level of habitability. The analysis classified the study area into three levels of habitability: high (37%), medium (32%), and low (31%). Furthermore, spatial suitability analysis shows that 74% of areas with high livability are located in residential areas designated in the Batam City Spatial Plan (RTRW). These findings demonstrate that the integration of GIS, AHP, and Weighted Overlay is an effective and systematic approach to identifying areas suitable for residential development and supporting sustainable spatial planning in Sagulung District.