Post-Tsunami Relocation Housing in Peri-Urban Transformation: Ribbon and Leapfrog Growth in Neuheun, Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Post-disaster relocation housing is commonly assessed through shelter provision and hazard exposure reduction, yet its long-term role in shaping peri-urban spatial transformation remains insufficiently examined. This study investigated how post-tsunami relocation housing contributed to land-use change, building distribution, settlement densification, and spatial growth patterns in Neuheun, Aceh, Indonesia, between 2011 and 2021. Neuheun was selected because it accommodated seven relocation housing complexes after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and later became part of the Beuramoe New Town relocation and development area. Using comparative spatial analysis, interpretation of Google Earth historical imagery, government statistical data, building-count analysis, and typomorphological reading, this study identified both quantitative and morphological changes in the area. The findings show that Neuheun retained a mixed rural-urban character, as agricultural land only slightly declined from 46.41% in 2011 to 45.29% in 2021. However, stronger transformation occurred through the expansion of trade and service activities and the gradual rise of settlement density from 3.24 to 3.45 buildings per hectare. Spatially, two dominant growth patterns emerged. Ribbon growth developed along Jalan Laksamana Malahayati, where the total number of buildings increased from 823 to 949, and trade and service buildings increased from 148 to 195 units. Leapfrog growth appeared within and around relocation housing clusters, where the total increased from 1,928 to 1,980, and trade and service buildings increased from 30 to 77 units. These results indicate broader building expansion along the established corridor but more concentrated commercial intensification within the relocation clusters.