IntroductionCoastal communities in Indonesia face increasing risks from tidal flooding, land subsidence, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion. Although community-based adaptation has received growing attention, there is still limited understanding of how local knowledge can be combined with spatial analysis to guide adaptation planning in rural coastal areas.MethodsThis study examines Timbulsloko Village, Demak Regency, Central Java, using a convergent multi-method approach. Literature review, field observation, interviews, and spatial analysis were integrated to identify major climate risks, existing adaptation practices, and priority areas for intervention. Community knowledge was also used for the interpretation of spatial conditions and the assessment of locally applicable adaptation options.ResultsThe results showed that the coastal risks did not distribute evenly in Timbulsloko area, but the vulnerable areas were concentrated in low-lying settlements, access routes, public facilities, abandoned fishponds and degraded coastal ecosystems. Spatial analysis and the community perspectives were used to identify priority intervention zones and to explore appropriate adaptation strategies. These include mangrove rehabilitation, flood-resistant infrastructure, adaptive agriculture, community-based early warning systems, and improved water-resource management. Their suitability varies according to local environmental conditions, community needs, institutional support, and implementation capacity.DiscussionThe study demonstrates the value of combining local knowledge with spatial evidence in identifying adaptation priorities rather than treating the two sources separately. Stronger coordination among communities, local government, and supporting organizations is needed to improve the implementation and long-term sustainability of coastal adaptation in Timbulsloko and other vulnerable rural coastal areas.