Mitigation and community preparedness in anticipating tsunami disasters in Muara Batu, Aceh

The tsunami disaster in 2004 that caused thousands of causalities forced the community of Aceh to carry out mitigation and preparedness. This study aims to describe about the mitigation and preparedness of the community in Muara Batu, North Aceh, Indonesia, in the face of the tsunami disaster. Data collection techniques used are in-depth interviews, observation, questionnaire and documentation. The results showed that the tsunami disaster mitigation in Muara Batu District was as follows: (1) construction of breakwater by government and plantation of coconut trees by residents along the coast and (2) the provision of education about disasters has been carried out. Meanwhile, related to the preparedness of the community in dealing with the tsunami disaster, the following were concluded: (1) the preparedness of the community in dealing with the tsunami disaster was classified as ready; (2) the knowledge and attitude of the household community in dealing with the tsunami disaster is classified as ready; (3) the community policy in dealing with the tsunami disaster is low; (4) the community emergency response plan in dealing with the tsunami disaster is ready; (5) the tsunami warning system still uses a hereditary tradition of using sirens and loudspeakers in the meunasah and/or mushola; (6) the level of mobilisation of community resources is still low.

This study recommends strengthening mitigation and preparedness with periodic community training by the village or district government. This will increase and strengthen synergies and interconnections between communities, village and district governments in dealing with the tsunami disaster.