Embedded wisdom or rooted problems? Aid workers' perspectives on local social and political infrastructure in post‐tsunami Aceh

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of local social, cultural, and political institutions in post-disaster reconstruction projects. It contends that such institutions are important considerations within community-driven reconstruction initiatives, but are often viewed with ambivalence by external aid organisations. This paper draws upon in-depth qualitative interviews with aid workers involved in the post-tsunami reconstruction in Aceh, Indonesia, to establish: (i) what roles community institutions were suited to play in the reconstruction; (ii) what were the limitations of community institutions when engaging with external aid agencies; (iii) how did external aid agencies engage with local community institutions; and (iv) how did external aid agencies perceive community institutions.

Local Wisdom in Responding to Disaster of Merapi Eruption: Case Study of Wonolelo Village

“…After a disaster occurs, the community must be the subject of development, while the government only supports the community's needs and activities back to normal (Kusumasari and Alam, 2012). Institutions are very important to increase community knowledge related to disasters (Daly, 2015).…”

Coastal science for post-tsunami reconstruction

“…Løvholt et al, 2014; Siebeneck et al, 2015). Such uncertainty has hampered reconstruction and future risk mitigation efforts on coastlines affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami, in particular where NGOs, national and local governments, communities and individuals, and their differing priorities, come into conflict (Chang Seng, 2013; Daly, 2014; Pasupuleti, 2013).…”

“…The 10th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami has been a time to reflect on the achievements of tsunami prediction and the scale, achievements and challenges of post-event reconstruction along impacted Indian Ocean coastlines (Chang Seng, 2013; Daly, 2014; Khasalamwa, 2009; Koria, 2009). An important measure of the success of post-tsunami reconstruction after this and other large tsunamis, such as the 2011 Tōhoku-oki event, is whether it has reduced risk and vulnerability of both coastlines and communities.…”

Generating Subjective Theories After a Disaster: The Role of Personality

“…This study aimed to determine how people explain the catastrophe and whether their explanations foster psychological well-being in the context of a catastrophic event. This objective is based on the assumption that in adverse situations people employ resources to cope with natural disasters, including some provided by the environment, that are available in the social structure, cultural practices, religion, and belief systems (Oliver-Smith, 1996;Daly, 2014).…”