GIS-Based Inshore Traffic Zone Development for Navigational Risk Reduction in the Eastern Sunda Strait, Indonesia

Abstract

The eastern part of the Sunda Strait is one of the most busy waterways in Indonesia. International transit ships, ferry crossings, coastal operations, and environmentally sensitive locations all operate within the same maritime space. This work aims to develop a GIS-based model for the Inshore Traffic Zone (ITZ) to reduce navigational risk in this complex environment. The investigation uses Automatic Identification System (AIS) traffic density, the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Merak record, Indonesian Nautical Chart No. 170, and Banten maritime zoning data (RZWP3K). Spatial processing was performed using density analysis, hotspot mapping, spatial overlay, and scenario modelling in ArcGIS, Global Mapper, and CARIS HPD. The results indicate that traffic geometry, rather than the number of vessels, is more important in shaping navigational danger. Persistent conflict hotspots were observed around Merak, Cigading, and Sangiang Island. Two types of ITZ configurations were investigated: an enclosed ITZ model and a corridor-type ITZ model. A corridor-based architecture offers a better compromise among route isolation, operational flexibility, and compliance with marine spatial planning. The results show that Model 2 is the most practical choice for future routeing management and highlight how geospatial techniques can contribute to safer, more effective governance in congested archipelagic waterways.