Background The formation of the New Autonomous Region Candidate of South Tasikmalaya Regency has designated Karangnunggal District as a potential location for the regency capital. As the center of government and local activities, Karangnunggal faces significant challenges related to hydrometeorological disaster risks, such as flooding and landslides. This study aims to analyze the carrying capacity and capacity of residential land to ensure sustainable and safe regional development from disaster risks. Methods The research method used is a combination of quantitative and descriptive approaches with spatial analysis techniques assisted by Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The evaluation process involves overlaying and scoring nine Land Capacity Unit parameters that refer to Permen PU No. 20/PRT/M/2007. Results The analysis shows that Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by Moderately High Land Capacity (54%) and High Land Capacity (24%). Physically, this area has abundant water availability (85%) and an excellent natural drainage system (61% in the high category). However, there are limitations in terms of land capacity for waste, with 84% of the area having low to insufficient capacity, thus requiring an integrated waste management system. Land carrying capacity analysis identified a potential area of 11,902.50 Ha (79%), with Sarimukti and Karangnunggal Villages as the most prospective areas. Conclusions Karangnunggal Subdistrict has excellent land readiness as a candidate capital city with a projected settlement carrying capacity that will remain in surplus until 2045. Regional development guidelines are set through a land cover ratio of 10% to 50% and a maximum building height of 4 floors to maintain ecological balance and mitigate future disaster risks.
3.1.1 Sattlement unit results
Morphological land capacity unit results
The analysis results show the dominance of the moderately high morphological land capacity unit (43%) and the high morphological land capacity unit (24%) in karangnunggal subdistrict, this can be seen in the following Table 14 and Graph Figure 3. Referring to the classification presented by gumano & novianti (2023), the “high” category in morphological land capacity unit actually indicates complex landscape characteristics, including mountainous areas, mountains, and undulating slopes. These complex morphological conditions create significant physical constraints for regional development (Gumano & Novianti, 2023).
Therefore, even though this area is projected to be a candidate for the capital city, areas with High Morphological land capability units in Karangnunggal are technically categorized as difficult or even unsuitable for development into a massive built-up area. In accordance with the recommendations (Gumano & Novianti, 2023), these lands should be directed towards conservation areas or limited cultivation activities that do not involve high concentrations of human activity, such as nature tourism, rather than intensive agricultural land such as rice fields or farms.
On the other hand, the availability of land with uncomplicated morphology (low/medium category) at certain points in Karangnunggal offers ease of development for settlements and urban infrastructure. However, the good morphological carrying capacity of these flat zones carries its own risks in the form of urban sprawl or uncontrolled urban expansion. This phenomenon is in line with the warning (Yunus, 2005) that land with high development potential often triggers massive agricultural land conversion. As the prospective capital of South Tasikmalaya Regency, Karangnunggal faces a dilemma between the need for space for a government center and the preservation of the agricultural characteristics of the region. The map of morphological land capability units in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 4.
Results of land suitability for ease of cultivation
The analysis results show that Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by High Workability land units covering an area of 12,285.77 Ha (81%), which indicates that this area has an optimal level of effectiveness for excavation, filling, and land leveling processes in the construction of capital infrastructure. More details can be seen in Table 15 and Graph Figure 5. This is in line with the opinion (Gumano & Novianti, 2023) that land with a high workability score indicates that the area can be developed for various types of activities because it is supported by flat to gentle slope conditions.
More specifically, (Rejith et al., 2024) emphasizes that the ease of development of an area is greatly influenced by geotechnical variables, whereby land with a soft rock structure and gentle topography is much more efficient to construct than land with hard rock or steep slopes that require high engineering costs.
However, this highly supportive physical potential risks triggering urban sprawl or uncontrolled urban expansion; as warned by (Yunus, 2005), high-capacity land often triggers massive conversion of productive agricultural land, so the government needs to establish strict zoning so that the development of the capital city does not occupy agricultural land, which is a major characteristic of South Tasikmalaya.
In addition, referring to the findings (Rojabi et al., 2025), even though high-category land is very easy to cultivate, development must still pay attention to field verification aspects related to drainage and accessibility so as not to cause structural failure in the future. The map of land suitability for development in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in the figure 6.
Results of land suitability for slope stability
Spatial analysis results show that the slope stability land capability unit in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by the fairly high category covering an area of 6,594.31 Ha (43%) and the moderate category covering an area of 3,921.25 Ha (26%), More details can be seen in Table 16 and Graph Figure 7. The dominance of the moderately high category indicates that most of the area is suitable for bearing the burden of development, but caution is still needed regarding triggering factors such as heavy rain or seismic vibrations.
This is in line with the opinion of (Prancevic et al., 2020), which states that slope suitability evaluations must comprehensively assess morphological and topographical aspects, considering that areas with steep slopes and loose soil structures have a much higher susceptibility to landslides than flat areas with more compact soil.
As emphasized by (Rojabi et al., 2025), areas that are not completely stable require special technical treatment or additional intervention in their utilization so that infrastructure development does not trigger slope collapse in the future. Therefore, the use of bioengineering techniques such as gabions or reinforcing vegetation in priority zones is an important mandate in the spatial planning of Karangnunggal District. The map of slope stability land capability units in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 8.
Results of land suitability for foundation stability
The analysis results show that the land capacity unit for Foundation Stability in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by the moderately high category covering an area of 6,875.70 Ha (45%) and the high category covering an area of 3,762.64 Ha (25%), More details can be seen in Table 17 and Graph Figure 9. The total dominance of 70% in this category indicates good foundation stability conditions to support the load of residential buildings and capital infrastructure, although it remains vulnerable to dynamic loads.
In line with the theory from (Gumano & Novianti, 2023), this analysis is crucial because, unlike morphological land capability units, foundation stability land capability units also consider the influence of earthquakes in determining construction feasibility. The predominantly stable condition of Karangnunggal reflects a minimal risk of construction failure, similar to the characteristics of the Rupit Urban Area, which has a high level of stability.
However, there is 6% of the area (926.84 Ha) that falls into the less stable category, which according to (Galuh Pamungkas et al., 2025) is considered unsuitable for conventional buildings. To address these areas with low stability, the development of built-up cultivation areas must implement preventive and careful foundation engineering, such as the use of chicken claw or bored pile foundations to ensure the safety of buildings from the threat of dynamic loads and ground movement. The map of foundation stability land capacity units in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 10.
Results of land suitability for water availability
Spatial analysis results show that the land capability unit for Water Availability in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by the moderately high category covering an area of 9,435.60 Ha (62%) and the high category covering an area of 3,549.94 Ha (23%), more details can be seen in Table 18 and Graph Figure 11. The total dominance of 85% in this category implies strong hydrological support for residential development and clean water supply in the prospective capital city.
According to (Gumano & Novianti, 2023), a high level of water availability indicates the existence of sufficient groundwater supplies in both shallow and deep layers, which is crucial as a primary source of clean water, especially during long periods of drought. In Karangnunggal, this adequate water availability is supported by mostly gentle slopes (<25%), which hydrologically facilitate the formation and extraction of shallow groundwater.
In line with the views of (Cole et al., 2020), assessing water availability through the integration of watershed and land use data is crucial in planning, where areas with moderate water supply (15%) can still be optimized through the implementation of water conservation systems such as the construction of reservoirs or infiltration wells. Although current water potential is very supportive, sustainable management is still necessary to prevent future declines in groundwater quality and quantity due to increased urban activity. Therefore, the development strategy for Karangnunggal District must integrate the protection of water catchment areas to ensure the sustainability of supply for the population and future government infrastructure. The map of land unit water availability in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 12.
Results of land suitability for drainage
Spatial analysis results show that SKL Drainage in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by the high category covering an area of 9,305.57 Ha (61%) and the fairly high category covering an area of 5,943.86 Ha (39%), more details can be seen in Table 19 and Graph Figure 13. The dominance of the high category, which reaches 61%, indicates that most of the area has excellent natural capacity to drain rainwater, thereby minimizing the risk of local and widespread flooding.
This condition is in line with the theory from (Rajčević et al., 2023), which states that land with certain slope variations and topography tends to have a more effective natural water drainage system than flat land that is prone to flooding. This good drainage capacity is crucial for the development of dense settlements in the prospective capital city, as it supports optimal land use without significant hydrological constraints.
However, as emphasized by (Apriyanza et al., 2019), drainage does not only depend on natural conditions but also requires infrastructure support that functions to remove excess water in a planned manner. Therefore, development in priority areas still requires routine maintenance of channels to prevent sedimentation, in order to ensure that the drainage system continues to function optimally in the long term. The map of drainage capacity units in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 14.
Results of land suitability for erosion
Spatial analysis results show that land erosion resistance in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by the moderately high category, covering an area of 11,401.93 ha or 75% of the total area, followed by the high category covering 18%, more details can be seen in Table 20 and Graph Figure 15. The dominance of the moderately high category, which reaches 75%, indicates a significant risk of soil erosion, which according to (Harjianto et al., 2016) reflects conditions where the soil layer can be easily stripped away and carried away by water or wind.
The high potential for erosion in this area is greatly influenced by the interaction between steep slopes and rainfall, as explained by (Borrelli et al., 2020) that land with steep topography and high rainfall has a much greater susceptibility to erosion than flat land.
This condition requires serious conservation measures, such as reforestation or the application of terracing techniques in areas with high slopes, to support sustainable settlement development in Karangnunggal District. Without proper mitigation and conservation measures, the impact of erosion will not only damage the stability of land in built-up areas but also put ecological pressure on downstream areas (Harjianto et al., 2016). The map of erosion susceptibility in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 16.
Results of land suitability for waste
Spatial analysis results show that SKL for Waste in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by the low category covering an area of 3,823.18 Ha (43%) and the very low category covering an area of 3,623.41 Ha (41%), more details can be seen in Table 21 and Graph figure 17. The high percentage of land with low and insufficient capacity (84% in total) indicates a significant limitation in the soil’s ability to naturally absorb and process domestic waste in the prospective capital city area.
This condition is in line with the technical criteria of (Irjadi et al., 2020), which states that slope, rainfall, and hydrogeology are the main determining factors of the soil’s ability to absorb liquid and solid waste to prevent environmental pollution.
The low level of land support in Karangnunggal is most likely influenced by complex morphological aspects and slope gradients, as explained by (Chandel et al., 2024), areas with steep slopes and less impermeable geological conditions tend to be unsuitable as waste disposal sites due to the high risk of contamination. Therefore, the development of Karangnunggal District as a center of government must include an integrated waste treatment system (Communal IPAL) and strict restrictions on settlement density in order to prevent groundwater quality degradation and other negative environmental impacts in the future. The map of waste land capacity in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 18.
Results of land suitability for disasters
Spatial analysis results reveal that land capacity units in Karangnunggal Subdistrict are dominated by the moderate category, covering an area of 8,197.04 hectares or 54% of the total area, more details can be seen in Table 22 and Graph Figure 19. The dominance of the moderate category indicates that the majority of the area has moderate vulnerability to potential natural disasters, thus requiring comprehensive mitigation strategies such as strengthening building structures and strict settlement zoning regulations.
This is in line with the view (Gumano & Novianti, 2023) that this land capacity analysis is crucial for understanding the capacity of land to withstand potential disasters, where mountain and hill morphology are the main contributing factors to landslide vulnerability, while flat slopes crossed by rivers are at risk of flooding.
Furthermore, (Chelli et al., 2021) emphasize that this assessment of land capacity aims to accommodate mitigation efforts through the integration of morphological maps, slope gradients, and land use. Given that Karangnunggal is a candidate for the capital city, this vulnerability information must be the basis for determining Class 1 to Class 5 vulnerability levels in order to minimize future economic and social impacts. Spatial planning based on disaster mitigation will ensure the safety of government infrastructure development from possible geological and hydrometeorological risks. The map of disaster land capacity in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 20.
3.1.2 Land capability results
The classification of land capability for Karangnunggal Subdistrict was carried out through an overlay (intersect) of each Land Capability Unit (LCU), where the final value of the capability level of each LCU was multiplied by its weight in stages to produce a cumulative map of the total scores of all LCUs. The multiplication of the final value by the weight for each LSU is called the score, with the formula Score = final_value × Weight, which is then accumulated to obtain a map of overall land capability. Details of the cumulative score calculations are presented in Table 23 and Figure 21.
The analysis of land capability in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is the final result of the overlay process of nine Land Capability Unit (LCU) parameters, which produced a total value classification ranging from 58 to 160. Based on the data processing results, land capability in this area is classified into four main classes, namely Class b (Poor), Class c (Moderate), Class d (Fairly High), and Class e (High). The land capacity in Karangnunggal Subdistrict based on administration can be seen in table 24.
The analysis shows that Karangnunggal Subdistrict is dominated by Class d (Moderately High Land Capability) covering an area of 8,262.86 Ha (54%) and Class e (High Land Capability) covering an area of 3,639.64 Ha (24%). The dominance of these two classes, which cover a total of 78% of the area, indicates that Karangnunggal has sufficient physical capacity to be developed as a center of government and urban settlement. Areas with this classification allow for the development of various agricultural activities and sustainable settlements because they have good composite values in terms of ease of cultivation, drainage, and water availability.
Administratively, the greatest development potential lies in Sarimukti Village, which has the largest area of Sufficiently High Land Capability, reaching 890.47 Ha. Meanwhile, for the High Land Capability category (Class e), Karangmekar Village has the largest area, namely 470.26 Ha. The even distribution of Class e land across all villages in Karangnunggal Subdistrict provides flexibility for policy planners in distributing district capital facilities and infrastructure without concentrating them in one location.
Although the majority of the area is suitable for development, there are 3,231.03 hectares (21%) of land classified as Class C (Moderate) and a smaller area of 28.46 hectares (0.2%) classified as Class B (Poor). Referring to the previous SKL discussion, these areas are generally constrained by low slope stability or vulnerability to erosion and disasters. Specifically for Class B land found in several villages such as Cikapinis (7.30 hectares) and Cibatuireng (6.00 hectares), physical development of buildings is highly discouraged unless very careful reinforced foundation engineering is used to avoid structural failure due to dynamic loads or earthquakes.
Overall, Karangnunggal has very promising land readiness as a candidate for the capital of South Tasikmalaya Regency. With a high level of water availability (85%) and good drainage (100% sufficiently high), the risk of flooding and clean water crises can be minimized. However, considering the results of land capacity for waste, which show that 84% of the area has low to insufficient capacity, the development of dense settlements on Class D and E land must be accompanied by the construction of integrated waste management infrastructure to maintain the quality of the future capital city’s environment. The land capability map of Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 22.
3.1.3 Land carrying capacity results
The Karangnunggal sub-district has three categories of land carrying capacity based on an analysis of the physical aspects of land capability, namely constraint areas, limitation areas, and potential areas of these three, only potential areas are suitable for development as residential land. Potential areas have the most suitable physical conditions for housing without extensive modification, while constrained areas require additional investment such as land filling, and limited areas are prohibited due to natural hazards. More details can be seen in Table 25 and Figure 23.
From an economic perspective, the distinction between potential and constraint areas carries direct cost implications for regional development planning. Constraint areas, which require supplementary engineering interventions such as land filling or reinforced foundations, entail significantly higher capital expenditure per unit of developable land compared to potential areas. Prioritizing government facilities and settlement development on potential areas particularly in Sarimukti and Karangnunggal Villages therefore represents not only the physically optimal but also the most fiscally efficient strategy, minimizing the burden on regional development budgets during the critical early phase of Candidate for New Autonomous Region establishment.
Land carrying capacity analysis in Karangnunggal Subdistrict shows that potential areas dominate, covering 11,902.50 hectares or 79% of the total area, indicating a very high physical capacity for capital city development. The vastness of this potential area, especially in Sarimukti and Karangnunggal Villages, provides spatial flexibility for the construction of government center infrastructure with minimal physical risk.
In accordance with technical guidelines, even though potential land is widely available, realistic settlement development (SA) is limited to a maximum of 60% of the potential area in order to maintain the availability of green open spaces and public facilities, resulting in a settlement land requirement of 7,141.50 hectares.
On the other hand, the existence of constraint areas (21%) and limitation areas (0.2%) requires the implementation of strict zoning strategies to avoid development in disaster-prone areas or areas with severe physical limitations. According to (Hasanuddin et al., 2022), respect for land carrying capacity through development thresholds is crucial to prevent environmental degradation, such as a decline in water catchment areas in the future. Therefore, the designation of Karangnunggal as the capital must integrate this vast land potential with risk management in constrained areas to ensure the sustainability of urban functions. The land carrying capacity in Karangnunggal Subdistrict based on administration can be seen in Table 26, The following map shows the carrying capacity of land in Karangnunggal Subdistrict, as shown in Figure 24.
The analysis shows that although potential areas are available, residential development cannot cover the entire land area. Part of the area must be allocated for utility networks and public infrastructure to maintain spatial planning balance. Residential development must consider a land cover ratio of 60% of the potential area in accordance with the criteria of Minister of Public Works Regulation No. 20 of 2007 concerning Technical Guidelines for Physical and Environmental Analysis (Hasanuddin et al., 2022). The results of the calculation of the land area that can be developed for residential areas can be seen as follows.
SA=(PAx60%)
SA=11.902,50Ha×60%=7.141,50Ha
Based on the potential area (PA) of Karangnunggal Subdistrict of 11,902.50 hectares, the LPm obtained is 7,141.50 hectares. This value uses the realistic land area that can be utilised for residential needs. The potential area (PA) based on administration can be seen in Table 27.
Based on administrative areas, the area that can be developed into residential areas (SA) is spread across all villages in Karangnunggal Subdistrict. The development of residential areas is predominantly located in Sarimukti Village, covering an area of 691.62 hectares. Meanwhile, the smallest residential development area (SA) covers an area of 228.92 hectares in Cintawangi Village.
3.1.4 Cover ratio results
The analysis of the land cover ratio is intended to determine the comparative picture of areas that can be covered by waterproof buildings with the total land area, obtain the land cover ratio level in accordance with the physical constraints of each level, and obtain a picture of the direction and area of development in accordance with the land cover ratio direction. The following is Table 28 of the land cover ratio for Karangnunggal Subdistrict and the Graph Figure 25.
The land cover ratio guidelines in Karangnunggal Subdistrict are classified into four intensity levels, namely a maximum ratio of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%, which are determined based on the physical characteristics of each area. The analysis shows that the maximum land cover ratio category of 30% is the most dominant, covering an area of 8,262.86 hectares or about 54% of the total area. Conversely, the area with the strictest restrictions, namely a maximum land cover ratio of 10%, only covers the smallest area of 28.46 hectares or 0.2%. This categorization serves as a development control instrument, whereby areas with more severe physical constraints are required to have a lower building coverage ratio in order to maintain ecological balance and prevent negative impacts on the environment in the future. The land cover ratio map can be seen in Figure 26.
3.1.5 Results of building height guidelines
The analysis of building height guidelines in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is classified into three main categories, namely non-building areas, maximum building height of 4 floors (≤ 4 floors), and building height of more than 4 floors (>4 floors). Based on the data processing results, this area is dominated by building height guidelines of ≤4 floors, covering an area of 11,493.89 hectares or about 76% of the total area. The detailed data and distribution regarding these categories can be seen in Table 29, Figure 27, and Figure 28.
This dominance indicates that most of the land in Karangnunggal is highly suitable for low to mid-rise residential development to support the capital’s infrastructure. On the other hand, non-building areas are the smallest category, covering only 28.46 hectares or 0.2%, which are generally designated in areas with extreme physical limitations or environmental restrictions to ensure building safety. Determining height limits is crucial in spatial planning to ensure structural stability in accordance with the bearing capacity of the foundation and the topography of the local area.
3.1.6 Results of population projection analysis
Population is a determining factor in the development of an area or city. Essentially, the existence of a population will determine the direction and movement of an area or city as a whole. Development carried out in urban areas is nothing more than an effort to meet the needs of the population. The condition of the population in a city can usually describe the general social condition of a city. Population is one of the factors that influence the development of a city, both in terms of business development and the development of the city’s spatial structure. City or regional planning is formulated with the aim of accommodating the various needs and desires of the population in terms of infrastructure and facilities for the future. To determine these needs, it is first necessary to know the number of people who will require them, as it is the population who will use/utilise this infrastructure and these facilities.
At this stage, the population is calculated by projecting the population based on the natural population growth rate in Karangnunggal Subdistrict. The natural population projection in Karangnunggal Subdistrict is calculated using the arithmetic method. According to (Klosterman, 1990), the arithmetic linear model is the simplest projection technique of all trend models. This model uses a first-degree equation. For more details on population projections in Karangnunggal Subdistrict, see Table 30.
3.1.7 Settlement carrying capacity results
An analysis of the carrying capacity of settlements in Karangnunggal Subdistrict was conducted to assess the extent to which land with potential for use as settlements could meet the housing needs of the Karangnunggal Subdistrict community over the next 20 years. The results of the calculations of the carrying capacity of settlement land can be seen in Table 31.
Based on an analysis of the carrying capacity of residential land in Karangnunggal Subdistrict, it was found that the carrying capacity of residential areas in all villages in Karangnunggal Subdistrict has a DDPM value >1 consistently in all villages, indicating that physical factors such as land slope, soil type, drainage, and accessibility still support sustainable residential development in the the 20 year planning period.
Settlement capacity basically indicates how many residents can still be accommodated in an area based on land availability and standards for adequate living space. When the carrying capacity value has not been exceeded and is still sufficient, the area still has room for new residential development; conversely, when the population exceeds the carrying capacity, it means that the land capacity has been exceeded and it is necessary to restrict and control residential development. The results of the analysis of residential land carrying capacity in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Table 32.
Overall, the subdistrict has a total existing population of 91,868 people with a capacity of 274,673 people, indicating a surplus capacity or that it has not yet exceeded capacity. This condition indicates that, in aggregate, the area is still able to accommodate additional population, although there are variations between villages that need to be considered for settlement development control. Based on the results of the analysis, administratively, all villages still have a large carrying capacity and have not exceeded the carrying capacity of residential land. This condition indicates that the subdistrict still has great potential for residential development, where almost all villages are able to accommodate additional population without burdening the current land capacity. The following map of residential land carrying capacity in Karangnunggal Subdistrict can be seen in Figure 29.