The Tsunami Resilient Village (DESTANA) Expedition “Kibar Pataka in South Java”

National Disaster Management Authority, Indonesia

Abstract: Geological aspects and the tectonic plate shifts have become a trigger of earthquakes that have caused tsunami to spread across Indonesia. In addition, Indonesia has experience the tsunami from other causes such as the avalanche of the Anak Krakatau Mountain on December 22, 2018. The tsunami has always become a hot topic in a never ending discussion in Indonesia. Starting from the geological point of view, historical to the mystical view. However, efforts to reduce the risk of the tsunami is required to consider the characteristic of the people or communities in tsunami prone areas. By understanding the characteristic both the region and the community, we could identify the root of the problem so that the tsunami risk reduction activities carried out could be more effective and efficient. In other words, recognising the problem means that we could provide the right solution. The Tsunami Resilient Village Expedition is a new strategy introduced by the National Disaster Management Agency of Indonesia (known as BNPB), in collaboration with 800 volunteers, went down to the southern part of Java, starting from Banyuwangi, Central Java, West Java to Banten (450 villages were visited). The South Java Region is an earthquake and tsunami prone area. Furthermore, some active faults pass through the southern part of Java. In the last 25 years, there have been at least 3 tsunami events in South Java. At present, there are more than 600,000 people who are potentially exposed if an earthquake and tsunami occurs in southern Java. If it is not prepared early, we could imagine the huge number of victims and economical losses that will be caused. Interaction between volunteers and the community is also an effort to build “trust”. The government is present not only during the emergency but tries to be present at pre-event. Preventive actions are far more valuable and could reduce the risk of loss to society and also the government. The South Java region keeps many historical records. Why does this expedition team need to consider a historical standpoint? It is because the history could also provide another perspective and input to develop appropriate strategies to promote disaster risk reduction in South Java. The main goal of Destana expedition is to capture various community aspirations related to preparedness, not only dissemination but volunteers with residents could do some actions. Plant trees in tsunami prone areas, for instance. There are various issues and challenges noted down during and after the expedition. Within 40 days, the team has succeed to collect various vital information, community knowledge, local government capabilities, and recommendations on how to build resilience village.