Thriving in the Face of Disaster: Mount Sinabung
Between May 4th and May 18th, 2016, a comprehensive survey was undertaken in Karo Regency as part of a research collaboration between RDI and Coventry University. The research project, titled "Cultural Impact on Community Resilience of People Exposed to Mount Sinabung Eruption Risk," involved the participation of individuals from various psychology departments at different universities, including Yarsi, Ukrida, Atmajaya, USU, and UMM.
The research initiative commenced with a lecture delivered by RDI and Dr. Gavin Sullivan from Coventry University at Institut Teknologi Medan. Data collection activities commenced on the second day, encompassing the distribution of questionnaires to local communities to capture their experiences related to the eruption, conducting in-depth interviews with key informants and community stakeholders, as well as observing and gathering secondary data.
Mount Sinabung stands out due to its extended cycle of eruptions, with the last recorded eruption dating back to the year 1600. The volcano has remained on high alert since the eruption on August 29th, 2010. The continuous threat of eruptions has left the surrounding communities in a precarious situation, pushing them to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. This research endeavors to shed light on how these communities, whether displaced or not, cope with the ongoing volcanic activity of Mount Sinabung.
Some villages located within a 7-kilometer radius from the Sinabung peak have been relocated and evacuated. The conditions of the displaced individuals differ based on their specific relocation camps. Half of the relocated villages, now situated in Siosar, have relatively better living conditions compared to the others. They have received new houses and compensation for their farmlands to help them sustain their livelihoods. However, life in Siosar has been met with mixed reactions. While a stable source of income and the emergence of a local economy have helped rebuild trust with the government, there have been issues, such as problems with seed distribution, leading to tensions between villagers and the government.
On the other hand, less fortunate villagers, who are part of the independent relocation process to Lingga, have faced challenges as their new destination has not been as welcoming. Evacuated villages find themselves in a state of legal uncertainty. They are prevented from returning to their own villages due to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mt. Sinabung, yet they have not been provided with employment opportunities and rely on daily rations for sustenance. The absence of a reliable source of income has forced some of these villagers to return to their villages, exposing themselves to risk but generating income.
Impacted villages that were not evacuated have been mainly affected by volcanic ash. Layers of ash have covered their farmlands, causing damage to their crops. The government has not outlined clear plans for compensating these farmers for their losses. However, there have been considerations for relocating 14 families from Perbaji due to their vulnerability to cold lahar paths. The cultural norms and kinship structures of the local community influence interactions within displaced persons' camps, as well as interactions between these camps and the host communities. This cultural framework plays a crucial role in mitigating potential conflicts in these settings.
