What is it about?
This study introduces a simple quantitative framework to evaluate disaster preparedness in Indonesia. Analyzing five regions across knowledge, policy, plans, warning systems, and resources, it reveals low readiness, highlights key challenges, and offers practical strategies to strengthen community engagement, refine non‑physical impact assessments, and improve resource allocation for resilience.
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Why is it important?
This study holds significant importance for disaster management in Indonesia because it provides a clear, quantitative framework to evaluate preparedness levels across different regions. By analyzing five sample areas using a linear method, the research focuses on five critical aspects: knowledge, policy, preparedness plans, disaster warning systems, and resource mobilization. These dimensions are essential indicators of how well communities and institutions can respond to disasters. The categorization of preparedness into four levels—basic, growing, developing, and independent—offers a straightforward tool for policymakers to identify strengths and weaknesses. The findings reveal that only one region achieved a relatively high level of preparedness, while the others remained in the basic and growing categories. This disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. The study also highlights challenges such as limited community involvement, difficulties in assessing non-physical impacts, and resource constraints. These insights are crucial because they pinpoint specific areas where disaster management efforts often fall short, particularly in engaging communities and addressing psychological or social consequences of disasters. Moreover, the study contributes practical recommendations to strengthen the Disaster Preparedness Area program. By refining non-physical impact assessments, enhancing community participation, and improving resource allocation, Indonesia can build more resilient systems. Importantly, the framework is simple and adaptable, making it valuable not only for local applications but also for broader disaster risk reduction efforts aligned with global initiatives like the Sendai Framework. In essence, this article bridges research and practice, offering actionable strategies to improve disaster preparedness and safeguard communities against future risks.
Perspectives
The perspective of the study is applied, evaluative, and policy-oriented. It emphasizes the need for a practical and measurable framework to assess disaster preparedness in Indonesia, moving away from abstract or overly complex models. The perspective is grounded in empirical evidence—data from five regions—yet it is also critical, pointing out gaps such as limited community involvement, weak assessment of non-physical impacts, and resource constraints. At the same time, the study adopts a solution-focused outlook. Rather than stopping at identifying shortcomings, it proposes targeted strategies: strengthening community engagement, refining non-physical impact assessments, and improving resource allocation. This shows a perspective that values actionable recommendations and alignment with broader disaster risk reduction efforts, such as the Disaster Preparedness Area program and international frameworks. In essence, the perspective is that disaster preparedness in Indonesia is uneven and insufficient, but with a straightforward evaluation tool and targeted interventions, significant improvements are possible. It reflects a balance between diagnosis of current weaknesses and optimism about practical pathways forward.
Syafrizal Maludin
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A weighted-index assessment of community disaster preparedness in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Environmental Hazards, January 2026, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/17477891.2026.2617615.
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