Indigenous early warning systems and community resilience in flood-prone areas

Background: The hazard of flooding is an annual phenomenon that has displaced millions of people over the years worldwide and claimed lives and properties. This study examined indigenous – based early warning method for flood prevention in Ayetoro and its environs in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: The study employed descriptive survey design using systematic sampling techniques to select 309 respondents to investigate indigenous based early warning method and flood prevention in Aiyetoro and its environs in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised and answered using descriptive statistics. Findings: The result revealed that there was moderate level of indigenous knowledge (grand mean = 3.00, above the standard mean of 2.50) which suggested that Ayetoro and its environs maintains traditional practices for flood prediction and mitigation of respondents on the effectiveness of Indigenous – based Early Warning Method (IEWM), supported by the grand mean value of 3.49 which indicated that the communities finds these methods highly reliable for flood mitigation, because of the timeliness and reliability of the information and trust in the accuracy of predictions. The result also indicated that majority of respondents (53.9%) supported the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern technology, with a grand mean of 3.49. This reveals the community's recognition of the limitations of indigenous methods and the potential benefits of combining them with technological advancements. The result further shows that (94.8%) of the respondents consenting the statements indicated that there were high challenges and barriers to the development and implementation of indigenous – based early warning method in the study area. Conclusion: The study concluded that communities highly value the accuracy and reliability of traditional methods, but the need for modernization is evident to sustain long-term flood management efforts. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study established shortfall in dependability of indigenous methods commonly adopted in the observed communities in the study. Modern technological tools of flood prediction combined with traditional knowledge will help to create a comprehensive and robust flood management system in the study area

Strengthening community resilience through integrated drought disaster management strategies

Background: In public administration, strategy serves as a mechanism to guide tactical and systemic decision-making. However, its actualization is often problematic due to weaknesses across interconnected dimensions of organizational strategy, institutions, resources, and programs, as Kooten (2015) proposed. Methods: This study examines the 2024 Drought Disaster Management Service Strategy in Sikka Regency using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were obtained from primary sources through semi-structured interviews and from secondary sources through policy and document analysis. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with findings systematically mapped onto Kooten’s four strategic dimensions. Findings: The results indicate that the organizational strategy has generally been implemented effectively. Nevertheless, institutional shortcomings persist, particularly in the functional structure of the Disaster Management Operations Control Center. Resource capacity remains inadequate, marked by limited human resources, facilities, and infrastructure, which constrains service effectiveness. Additionally, the program strategy is mainly situational and reactive, lacking specificity and proportional Design to address drought risks comprehensively. Conclusion: The study concludes that drought disaster management in Sikka Regency requires an integrated, infrastructure-aligned strategy that strengthens institutional capacity, optimizes resources, and refines program design across all strategic dimensions. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research offers a novel application of Kooten’s four-dimensional strategic framework to local drought disaster management, revealing critical gaps and offering a new integrated perspective for improving local disaster management governance

Community-led coastal resilience: Integrating local knowledge and collaborative disaster management

Background: The community of Oesapa Fishing Village, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara Province has an inspiring story of facing disaster risks. The actions are appreciated because the community has demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt to disasters and climate change. Methods: Qualitative methods with direct observation techniques and in-depth interviews as well as an active participation approach. Informants in this study are the community of Oesapa fishing village as internal parties and external parties are the Pikul Foundation and several government agencies in Kupang City including the Oesapa sub-district government. Findings: The categories of disasters that often pose a threat to the community of Oesapa Fishing Village are high waves, strong winds, drought and at least flooding. High waves are caused by the position of the village area which is in the coastal area and the lowest topography, precisely in the Kupang Bay area. This study aims to explore the form of community knowledge in understanding disaster risks, find intervention models and their impacts from external parties on the community, as well as behavioral patterns and strategies of the Oesapa fishing village community to develop their knowledge to build community resilience in facing disasters.  Conclusion: The study finds that communities view disasters as human-induced environmental consequences, external interventions—by PIKUL Foundation, BPDAS Benain Noelmina, BPBD Kota Kupang, and BMKG Stasiun Maritim Tenau—have shifted local wisdom toward technology-based systems, and collaborative disaster management has strengthened community resilience while reducing risks and losses. Novelty/Originality of this article: The existence of norms of going to sea as community social capital, fishermen's livelihoods as economic capital and mangrove plants as coastal environmental capital

From vulnerability to resilience: Community-based strategies in urban informal settlements

Background: Increasing urbanization has resulted in a faster growth of slum population. The main triggering factor behind the rapid urbanization is migration of people from rural to urban areas. Many of these people are jobless, capital-less, homeless and have no other alternative other than to live in the slum areas. They live totally in an informal settlement. The main objectives of this study are to identify the vulnerabilities of urban slum dwellers and to find out appropriate measures for reducing vulnerabilities to ensure resiliency. This research is conducted in Palashpur slum of Barisal city. Methods: This research is basically based on primary data collection and partially on secondary data collection. The Vulnerability to Resilience (V2R) framework is used for the research and FEMA model is used for the prioritization of vulnerability. There were 100 questionnaire surveys and 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted. Findings: the existing human induced hazards in this slum are fire, mismanagement of waste and conflict. The FEMA model has given the highest vulnerability for the mismanagement of waste and then fire, water logging and last of all conflict. So, this slum area is mostly vulnerable for these human induced hazards and mostly vulnerable for mismanagement of waste. So, proper resilience measures like awareness raising, encouraging people to use reusable bags, providing alternative livelihood options, burying electricity lines, establishing proper drainage systems, strengthening social relationships etc. can reduce the vulnerability of the hazards. Conclusion: Moreover, existing organizations and Govt. should set their policies and plans according to proper resilience measures based on existing vulnerabilities and implement them in an integrated approach considering good governance. Novelty/Originality of this article: If any organizations or Government desire to run any project for the development of this slum, they will get a clear and concise idea on which project will be fruitful for the slum. The study will also enlighten the stakeholders on how to involve the community and integrate existing hazards vulnerability reduction strategies with development activities

Integrating disaster risk into economic valuation of strategic infrastructure: A case study of Yogyakarta International Airport under tsunami threat

Background: In response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the urgency of climate adaptation, this study assesses the potential economic losses at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), a key National Strategic Project/Proyek Strategis Nasional (PSN) in Indonesia. Despite its critical role in promoting regional connectivity and economic growth, YIA is located in a high-risk seismic and tsunami-prone zone along the Indian Ocean. Methods: Using the Total Economic Value (TEV) framework, this research estimates direct and indirect losses resulting from a hypothetical disaster scenario, including waterlogging impacts on runways and aprons. The analysis integrates hazard exposure data, infrastructure vulnerability, and sectoral economic linkages, encompassing damage to assets, disruptions to tourism, and income loss during the recovery phase. Findings: Findings reveal that a single severe disaster could result in 429,746,360,380 rupiah losses, with cascading effects on local livelihoods and regional mobility. The study underscores the need for ex-ante disaster risk integration in infrastructure investment planning, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable airport systems under Indonesia’s long-term disaster risk reduction framework. Conclusion: This study concludes that Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is highly vulnerable to tsunami hazards, with potential for extensive infrastructure damage and significant direct and indirect economic losses, underscoring the urgent need to integrate disaster risk reduction into the planning and operation of critical infrastructure. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article lies in its application of the Total Economic Value (TEV) framework combined with hazard exposure analysis to comprehensively estimate both direct and indirect economic losses of Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) as a National Strategic Project (PSN) in a tsunami-prone area

Gedebage community response to the government's flood management

Background: This study was conducted to explore the views of Gedebage residents on the steps taken by the government to overcome flooding and to assess the effectiveness of the policy from the community's perspective. The focus of the problem lies in the dissatisfaction of residents due to the handling that is considered not comprehensive, such as the problem of the water channel system that has not been resolved and the lack of public involvement in policy planning. Methods: The method used is a qualitative approach with a phenomenological type, through data collection in the form of interviews, observations, and documentation to describe the direct experiences of residents. Findings: The findings show that the community feels that government actions are not responsive enough and have not resolved the core problems, while community participation is still self-help and has not been included in formal programs. In addition, the distribution of aid is considered unfair and information from the government is not conveyed well. Conclusion: Limited participation space also weakens public trust in the services provided. Based on this, a more open, collaborative, and solution-oriented strategy is needed so that flood management policies can be better accepted, targeted, and encourage active community involvement. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study explores flood management from the perspective of affected residents, offering a view that is often absent in policy evaluations. It emphasizes the need to place community experiences at the center of designing more responsive and inclusive flood management strategies

Cultural normalization of open waste burning and the escalation of forest fire risks

Background: Over time, open waste burning has evolved into a culturally embedded routine that heightens forest fire risks in underserved areas, while the socio cultural dimensions of this issue remain largely underexplored despite increasing technical and policy efforts. This research examines how the cultural normalization of open waste burning contributes to rising forest fire risks in Indonesia. The study draws on Mary Douglas’s Cultural Theory of Risk, which explains how environmental threats like fire and waste are interpreted through culturally constructed boundaries of order and danger. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed using secondary data analysis. Data sources include peer reviewed articles, policy documents, and reputable news media based on thematic and contextual relevance. Thematic analysis was conducted using both inductive and deductive coding. Findings: The findings reveal that open waste burning is a normalized household practice, often passed down across generations and reinforced by structural limitations and weak regulatory enforcement. Cultural perceptions of waste and collective identity further embed these behaviors. Although the study does not involve primary data, consistency across sources strengthens the analysis. Conclusion: Addressing the cultural acceptance of open burning is crucial to reducing forest fire risks. Effective mitigation requires strategies that are grounded in local social and cultural realities to ensure long term environmental and social relevance. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the socio-cultural dimensions of open waste burning as an overlooked driver of forest fire risks. By applying Mary Douglas’s Cultural Theory of Risk, it offers a new perspective on how culturally embedded practices shape environmental hazards beyond technical and policy approaches

Enhancing youth preparedness and resilience in earthquake disaster mitigation: Evaluating the impact of disaster education workshops

Bacground: Indonesia, as the world's largest archipelagic country, faces significant natural disaster risks due to its location on the "Ring of Fire." This study examines the knowledge and role of the younger generation in disaster preparedness in Pangalengan, focusing on understanding risks, actions during earthquakes, and information dissemination to enhance community resilience. Methods: The research method used is a field survey and workshop activities consisting of distributing oral questions, direct questions and questionnaires distributed before and after the workshop. While for area analysis, it was carried out by interviews and location surveys and the use of Google Maps. This study was conducted at SMA Negeri 1 Pangalengan, West Java, with 150 students participating. From 9 schools located around the city of Pangalengan. Findings: The 4-hour disaster mitigation workshop, guided by 4 teachers and 3 presenters from Kitakyushu, Japan, emphasized the importance of disaster education in preparing the younger generation, especially for earthquakes in Indonesia. The workshop provided students with valuable knowledge about disaster preparedness, including evacuation steps, sheltering, helping others, and assembling a disaster preparedness bag. It also taught students to identify safe places and understand the early warning system. Furthermore, the workshop increased students' sense of responsibility, concern for their own and others' safety, and enhanced their mental resilience. The skills and knowledge gained improved their confidence in handling emergency situations. Conclusion: Disaster education not only reduces the risk and negative impacts of disasters but also forms a generation that is more aware and responsible for the environment and shared safety. Novelty/Originality of This Study: This research contributes to the academic discourse by evaluating the effectiveness of disaster education workshops in enhancing youth preparedness and resilience, with a particular focus on the role of interactive learning in promoting community engagement and fostering a culture of responsibility in disaster-prone regions

Current status and challenges of disaster response and rehabilitation measures for vulnerable populations in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan: A cross-sectional study

Background: Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, requiring effective disaster response and rehabilitation for vulnerable populations. This study investigated the preparedness of municipalities in Kagoshima for post-disaster rehabilitation, focusing on current relief activities, municipal awareness, and the readiness of administrative personnel and healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2023, targeting officers in disaster countermeasures-related municipal departments. The survey assessed awareness of vulnerable populations, understanding of support needs, and the status of support systems during evacuations. Finding: 51.2% of municipalities responded; 86.4% were aware of vulnerable populations, but only 54.5% had a clear understanding of their needs. A small proportion (18.2%–36.4%) had comprehensive support systems during evacuations. Only 4.5% were familiar with disaster rehabilitation, but 63.6% were interested in discussing plans with medical professionals. Conclusion: The findings reveal gaps in municipalities’ awareness and preparedness for disaster rehabilitation of vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for more training, resources, and collaboration between local governments and healthcare professionals. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study is the first to thoroughly examine disaster rehabilitation at the municipal level in Kagoshima Prefecture. By identifying gaps in municipal awareness and preparedness, it contributes to the development of more effective disaster rehabilitation strategies, enhancing community resilience

COVID-19 contact tracing apps in the Netherlands and Indonesia and its privacy concerns: A comparative review

oai:ojs2.journal-iasssf.com:article/456Background: In this COVID-19 pandemic, all affected countries are making efforts to end the pandemic quickly. One of the efforts made is contact tracing. At first, contact tracing is done by officers interviewing confirmed patients and then filling in the results of the interview on an epidemiological manually in investigation form. Then, the government developed a contact tracing application to optimize this activity. However, the use of the application raises the issue of user concern over the privacy of personal data entered into the application. This article compares the use of the app and user concerns about its privacy in the Netherlands and Indonesia. Methods: We use the comparative literature review method with inclusion criteria only including studies that provide information about the use of PeduliLindungi application in Indonesia and CoronaMelder in the Netherlands, especially those that discuss privacy policy concerns in their use. Finding: Both Netherlands and Indonesia have high population densities which is a risk factor for the easy spread of COVID-19. The governments of both countries have developed contact tracing applications to enhance their efforts in handling COVID-19. People using this application are concerned about the privacy policy of personal data entered into the application. However, it doesn’t reduce the number of application users because the use of these applications is required by the government. Conclusion: The importance of contact tracing activities in disaster management is of concern to the government so that these activities run optimally. The contact tracing application developed can be easily used but has a privacy policy issue that can be re-evaluated so that security can be increased in maintaining the privacy of users' data