The Role of Islamic Teachings in Encouraging People to Take Tsunami Preparedness in Aceh and Yogyakarta Indonesia

Abstract

The role of religion in post-disaster such as reducing psychological its impact, faith-based organizations (FBO) relief and assistance, have been widely acknowledged, yet studies on positive aspect of religion on pre-disaster have been limited although there is an indication that religious teachings have a positive aspect in preparedness. Given the fact that Indonesia is a tsunami prone country and its people is holding religions, study on the relationship between the role of religious teachings and natural disaster is urgently important. This study aims at comparing the effect of Islamic teaching belief on tsunami preparedness action in Aceh and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The concept of Tsunami Resilient Preparedness (TRP) consisting of Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS), Emergency Plan and Capacity based on social level/interaction such as individual, family, community and society is introduced. This study has involved 173 residents in Yogyakarta and 305 in Aceh Indonesia as a subject. Findings show that optimistic view significantly predicted most of TRP meaning that both communities have similar views that taking TRP was in accordance with the Islamic teachings and not against God’s will. Variables of believe in religious leader significantly predicted most TRP except for Capacity-society and TEWS-individual in Yogyakarta explaining that there is difference impact of residents’ interpretation of Islamic teachings. In Aceh, the role of neighbour is very important to influence people to take TRP mostly in TEWS and Emergency Plan but limited in Capacity. This study is very important to challenge the dominant view that natural disaster is caused by god’s punishment. Finally, Islamic teachings should be considered as one of the essential aspects to be included in the disaster management policy, especially in Indonesia where majority of the community is holding Islamic religion.