Indecision in Emergency Situation: The Absence of Technology or Intuition? A Study of September 30, 2009 Earthquake in Padang

Abstract

An Actor's cognitive ability has become a major requirement in making decisions during a state of emergency. Either collapsed infrastructure or the disappearance of emergency personnel often delays an effective response which could result in indecisive action. This paper examines how indecision occurred in the September 30, 2009 tsunamigenic earthquake in Padang by employing a phenomenological interpretive approach. Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with emergency managers as well as reviewing public documents. The findings show that relevant actors' lack of experience concerning situational awareness and mental simulation had inhibited their efforts in applying intuitive strategy. Furthermore, the ambiguous actions taken were also driven by bureaucratic procedures and limited resources, which hampered innovation and adaptation in facing an escalating situation. At the same time, the actors had to deal with public distrust if the decisions were to be made without sufficient information or declared by an unexpected actor. Finally, the government had missed a most crucial time-the golden time-and let vulnerable people make their own choices.