Resilient Cities, Vulnerable Communities: Disaster Governance in the Coastal Cities in Indonesia

Abstract

The government has always played a role in disaster governance, including at the community level. The Indonesian government has also allocated responsibilities to the local governments in disaster governance mechanisms. The aim of this study is to explore the regulatory and institutional framework for disaster governance, which emphasizes arrangements between city government organizations and communities to address disaster vulnerability. This research was conducted in coastal cities of Indonesia that are prone to disasters: Bandar Lampung, Semarang, and Makassar. The research method used is regulatory mapping (RegMAP), conducting discourse network analysis (DNA) and risk-based analysis based on threats, vulnerabilities, and capacities. The results of the study found that the framework for enforcing disaster governance rules in Indonesia is often contradictory, including the main issues in determining disaster status, budget allocation and regional cooperation, as well as strengthening the capacity of vulnerable communities. The regulatory framework needs to be reviewed to reduce the risk of flood disasters that often occur in the cities of Makassar, Semarang, and Bandar Lampung; the disaster management agency and development planning board are the front line to internalizing the disaster risk reduction agenda; and the need for strategic policies in disaster risk reduction that are integrated, climate inclusive, and have the adaptive capacity to address vulnerabilities at the community level.