The Role of the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) in Preserving Environmental Sustainability in North Sulawesi Province

Abstract

Regional development is essential to improving public welfare, yet poorly planned spatial development can threaten environmental sustainability. Although previous studies have examined spatial planning, environmental protection, and spatial law enforcement, limited attention has been given to the gap between regional spatial planning regulations and their implementation in maintaining environmental functions in North Sulawesi. This study aims to analyze local government policies on spatial planning and evaluate the implementation of regional spatial plans in protecting environmental functions. The study employs normative legal research using statutory and conceptual approaches, complemented by empirical inquiry. Legal materials and field data were collected through literature review and field investigation and analyzed qualitatively. The findings show that North Sulawesi has established formal spatial planning policies through regional regulations at provincial and district or city levels, including provisions for protected and cultivation areas. However, implementation remains suboptimal, as spatial uses inconsistent with designated functions continue to occur, including development in protected areas, disaster-prone zones, and water infiltration areas. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that the main challenge is not regulatory absence but the implementation gap between spatial planning provisions and actual land use, requiring stronger coordination, supervision, public participation, and law enforcement.