Exploring Coastal Community Response and Preparedness to Earthquakes: A Lesson from Maluku Province, Indonesia

Project Objectives

This study explores how Maluku communities deal with periodic earthquakes and the gaps in their preparedness for future disasters because research on the seismic response and preparedness of Indonesian coastal communities, particularly Maluku Province, has yet to be done.

Data

This study has employed semi-structured interviews with thirty survivors of the Mw 6.5 Ambon earthquake and its aftershocks in 2019 who lived in the three coastal villages on Ambon Island, Indonesia.

Results

•The results show that the seismic survivors took emergency actions based solely on what previous generations had taught them and their religious beliefs. However, the earthquakes have enhanced their creativity, engagement, and participation. Social support has also helped communities survive the earthquakes.

•Six gaps in disaster preparedness have been identified: early warning system availability, public education and information, risk transfer capability, future protection development, humanitarian aid protocols and procedures, and health recovery. 

Significance

This study’s recommendations can be used to design seismic preparedness plans, such as adopting earthquake-resistant building codes and expanding mangroves for coastal protection in Indonesia's most earthquake-prone areas.