Disaster Mitigation Strategy at Local Level: Study of Disaster Mitigation Strategy at Malang District, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

An effective strategy of disaster mitigation policy must be formulated immediately. Act 24 of 2007 about Disaster Mitigation (UUPB) has provided a more certain policy framework for disaster mitigation policy but it is still subjected to weaknesses.These weaknesses are so obvious in the implementation of disaster mitigation policy at local level. Research is conducted at Malang District, East Java, Indonesia. Method of research is descriptive. Type of data is qualitative which is understood by Van Metter and Van Horn’s theory of policy implementation.Field findings have indicated that at pre-disaster, the following actions are not yet taken such as integrating the implementation of disaster mitigation into a local planning document, reducing the disaster risk, preventing the disaster, formulating the Disaster Risk Analysis, enforcing the space order plan, carrying out the disaster education and training, and formulating technical standard document of disaster mitigation. During the disaster, some important immediate matters are not well managed such as preparedness, early warning and mitigation. A number of urgent documents such as contingency plan and operational plan are not formulated. Risk assessment is inappropriately executed. At post-disaster condition, rehabilitative and reconstruction plans are not maximum. Indeed, an appropriate strategy of disaster mitigation policy needs to be formulated based on the local condition.    Within this review, a number of policy strategies that must be considered by the local governments in Indonesia may involve empowering the policy and capacity for the disaster mitigation organization at local level, implementing the integrated disaster mitigation, carrying out research, education and training, and improving the capacity and participation of local community.

Keywords: policy implementation, policy strategy, local disaster mitigation