Identifying Drivers, Barriers and Opportunities for Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Indonesia: An Analysis Based on the Earth System Governance Framework

Abstract

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency, severity and intensity of disasters. Indonesia is known to be one of the countries most vulnerable to natural hazards. It is located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire”—a highly active geological area and scene of many incidents of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. In addition, more than half of all disaster events in Indonesia are climate-related. There have been increasing and stronger propositions for integrated disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. This chapter utilises the Earth System Governance (ESG) framework to analyse the integration of DRR and CCA in Indonesia. Journal articles and organisational reports are reviewed. This chapter examines drivers, barriers and, most importantly, opportunities for institutional integration for DRR and CCA in Indonesia. It is argued that the Indonesian government’s institutional capacity and arrangements can be both the main barrier and driver for integration. It is established that the main barrier to integration is at the national government level where separation of government organisations and sectoral ministries leads to uncoordinated planning for CCA and DRR. Strong relationships between key government organisations in DRR and non-governmental and international organisations involved both in DRR and CCA hold the key to integration of policy and practice. Moreover, opportunity for integration is even greater at the local government and community level. However, more financial and technical support from the national, international and non-government sectors is needed at the local level in order to make use of this opportunity.