Reading indigenous signs: The wisdom of nagari communities toward natural disaster in Pasaman Barat

Abstract

This study examines local wisdom regarding natural disasters of communities in traditional villages (nagari) in Pasaman Barat, Indonesia, through indigenous signs of disaster and interpretations. We analyze these signs through indigenous history and knowledge and a three-way communications framework of disaster interpretation in Indonesia. We collected data by conducting in-depth interviews with eight traditional figures and distributing questionnaires to 94 local residents in Pasaman Barat impacted by the 2022 earthquake through descriptive analysis. Our findings revealed that communities in Pasaman Barat have traditionally preserved indigenous knowledge about natural disasters, including architectural practices, logical and spiritual symbols, and a wide range of social mores and taboos. The people of the area improvised some valuable skills, such as the use of sandi tiang (the baseboard of a stilt) and bamboo barricades. Rituals and taboos associated with disasters include the tolak bala (warding-off ritual) and the banda larangan (forbidden fish), and distinctive signs of disaster observed by the community including the sounds of jirek (sacred grave), the appearance of tiger and uyia-uyia (forest beetles), and rivers flowing downstream during rain. These customs, mostly shared with Minangkabau customs despite some differences, are influenced by religious tradition, especially Sufistic tradition. Communities in Pasaman Barat continue to teach their children about these traditions, even as they adapt to modern life. Despite a dearth of established, traditional knowledge in this area, this study contributes to the future of disaster mitigation management by emphasizing rational and practical considerations in the face of natural disasters.