CULTURAL ROLE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

On February 23rd, 2016, RDI hosted an informative lecture at Itenas in Bandung, featuring the central theme of disaster risk reduction as its primary subject. Dr. Gavin Sullivan from Coventry University was the distinguished speaker at this event. Surprisingly, post-disaster recovery and culture are intimately connected, and understanding this link can greatly aid researchers, governments, and donors in enhancing their disaster risk reduction strategies and tailoring their approaches to better assist victims.

The intersection of culture and risk pertains to how different communities contend with risk, adapt to it, and interpret their circumstances in the face of disasters. Each culture has its unique way of perceiving disaster risk within its local context, and these perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors significantly shape the community's vulnerability. Culture can serve as both a negative factor, exacerbating vulnerability, and a positive factor, aiding communities in managing the challenges posed by disasters.

Researchers must be attentive to and respectful of these cultural disparities. Sometimes, assumptions rooted in scientific knowledge may clash with traditional practices and local wisdom. For instance, consider the case of Merapi Mountain, where local leaders emphasized the concepts of "nrimo" or "pasrah," which conflicted with the preparedness approach. Conducting ongoing research within the same community over time allows researchers to observe changes and improvements in disaster response strategies.

Dr. Gavin Sullivan also shared insights from his research in Bantul, Indonesia, where the research approach was employed three years after the disaster struck. Ultimately, the lecture underscored the importance of focusing on social vulnerability rather than merely the natural aspects of disasters, highlighting the intricate relationship between culture and disaster risk reduction.