Analysis of the benefits of social assistance policy for victims of natural disasters

Abstract

Indonesia, which consists of a group of islands, has a very high potential for natural disasters and has an impact on victims, even causing fatalities. The social assistance program is aimed at victims of natural disasters at the stage of prevention and control as well as post-disaster recovery. This study aims to (1) examine the effectiveness of social assistance for victims of natural disasters in terms of timeliness, targets, and handling, and (2) examine factors that support and hinder social assistance for victims of natural disasters. This research used mixed methods and was conducted in 10 disaster-prone locations, namely in Karo, Pidie Jaya, Karang Asem, North Lombok, Kapuas, Pacitan, Pandeglang, Palu, Garut, and Banjarnegara districts. Each location involved 60 respondents who were determined by cluster random sampling technique. Data collection techniques used questionnaires, interviews, FGDs, and documentation studies. Quantitatively the data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Sign Ranks and qualitatively using SWOT. The results showed that social assistance for disaster victims was on time, on target, and appropriate in handling and use. Recommendations for the elderly and people with disabilities to pay more attention, especially at the stage of disaster evacuation.