26 October - 2 Novemnber 2014 (Sukabumi and Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
In recent years, large-scale earthquakes and tsunamis have been occurring in Indonesia and Japan. These countries share similar geographic conditions and very high disaster risks. To reduce disaster risks, it is important to study the level of disaster awareness among residents, particular their awareness of earthquakes and tsunamis. For this research project, two target areas in Indonesia were selected. One was Sukabumi, where it is predicted that a large-scale disaster will occur in near future. The other was Banda Aceh, where the Sumatra Earthquake occurred in December 2004.
In the Sukabumi district, a 100-item questionnaire survey was conducted around the center of the city of Pelabuhanratu. It showed that local residents have only a limited level of disaster awareness because of their limited past experiences with tsunamis. Also, only a few tsunami disaster drills have been conducted in the recent past. The results suggest that more active disaster awareness programs and activities are needed in this area.
The 100-item questionnaire survey was also conducted in Banda Aceh. Four tsunami evacuation buildings were constructed and many evacuation drills have been conducted since the tsunami that struck this region. However, budgets for disaster management efforts have been gradually decreasing. Funding for human resources and disaster management programs at research institutions are also weakening. Better approaches to DRR should be developed so as to maintain the disaster awareness of residents.
There is a disparity between Sukabumi and Banda Aceh in terms of their level of disaster awareness and activities as a result of their past real-life experiences. However continued disaster management activities, as well as reminders of the importance of such activities, are needed in both areas.
(Note: This project is part of the Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century Research Institute.)
(2014/11/18 18:30)