COMMUNITY BASED GREEN CITY READINESS INDEX IN RANTAUPRAPAT: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND GREEN ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

The concept of green cities has gained global attention as a framework for urban sustainability. However, the success of green city initiatives relies heavily on community awareness and active engagement. This factor is still rarely studied in small to medium-sized cities in developing countries. This study aims to measure the readiness of the city of Rantauprapat, Labuhanbatu Regency, Indonesia towards the status of a green city, focusing on two main endogen variables, namely green awareness and green engagement. The study used a quantitative survey approach with a modified green city readiness index (GCRI) instrument, given to approximately 400 respondents spread across 15 urban villages. Respondents' perceptions were measured using a likert scale with 32 statements that included waste management, energy conservation, green open space utilization, sustainable transportation options, and environment-based social activities. The results of the study found that the level of public awareness was moderate with an average score of 3.42 out of 5, while the level of green engagement was lower with an average score of 2.68 out of 5. The overall GCRI score for Rantauprapat based on AHP weighting is 0.409 indicating relatively moderate readiness, and also a simple average analysis puts Rantauprapat in the medium category. These findings show a gap between attitudes and behaviors, where residents have basic knowledge about the environment but have not consistently translated it into real ecological actions. This research makes a theoretical contribution to the development of green city studies by including community behavior indicators in the measurement of city readiness. Practically, the results of the study show that GCRI Rantauprapat is compiled from the dimensions of public awareness and green involvement with a focus on community behavior, not just physical indicators of the city.