Consequences Of Post-Disaster Policies On Building Process Of Permanent Shelters In Mentawai Islands Indonesia

Abstract

Implementing the policy of relocating people affected by disasters is a complicated process because it requires land preparation to build houses that are ready for habitation. Land and house building processes are critical to a successful relocation. This paper examines how relocation policies were implemented in building houses and providing land for relocation for victims of the 2010 earthquake and tsunami in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Through field observations, literature studies, and planning documents related to relocation policies and interviews with policymakers, community leaders who participated in building permanent housing in 8 villages and 41 hamlets in the Mentawai Islands. This study provides evidence to investigate how the implementation of the relocation policy in providing land and building permanent housing. Providing relocation land takes a long time due to the land being managed by private parties with permanent production forest status. The status of production forest still has to be changed first to conversion production forest and then to another use forest. Changes are made by exchanging forest areas. Building housing continues to be carried out by involving the community by forming community groups to create cooperation and help each other in a "Rob Parob" manner. This research is limited to the implementation of relocation policies and the process of building permanent housing. This study can be an essential reference for planning post-disaster relocation of residents in other disaster-prone countries. Challenges faced in the implementation of relocation policies and building permanent housing on permanent production forest lands for residents affected by the disaster.