FORMOSA NEWS - Surabaya - Community participation in disaster risk mapping can significantly strengthen local resilience to natural hazards. That is the central finding of a study by Priyanto, Fedianty Augustinah, Galuh Ajeng Ayuningtiyas, and Siti Marwiyah from Universitas Dr. Soetomo (Unitomo) in Surabaya, Indonesia. Published in 2026 in the Formosa Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, the research demonstrates how participatory mapping and community engagement can help rural communities prepare for disasters and reduce long-term risk.
The study focused on Krejengan Village in Probolinggo Regency, East Java, an area that frequently faces flooding and extreme rainfall. By involving residents directly in identifying hazards, mapping vulnerable areas, and planning mitigation strategies, the research team found that local communities can build stronger preparedness systems and develop sustainable disaster resilience.
The findings highlight the growing importance of community-based disaster risk reduction in a country widely recognized as one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.
Indonesia’s High Disaster Risk
Indonesia’s geographic position makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The country sits at the convergence of three major tectonic plates—Indo-Australian, Eurasian, and Pacific—creating conditions for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods.
According to Indonesia’s national disaster authorities such as National Disaster Management Agency, extreme weather events and floods remain among the most common disasters affecting rural communities.
In Probolinggo Regency, intense seasonal rainfall has repeatedly triggered floods that damage infrastructure, agricultural land, and local economies. In Krejengan Village, several flood events have caused financial losses reaching tens of millions of rupiah.
These recurring risks underline the need for preventive strategies that empower communities themselves rather than relying solely on top-down disaster response.
Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction
The research conducted by the team from Universitas Dr. Soetomo applies the concept of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR). This approach emphasizes active involvement of local residents in identifying hazards, assessing vulnerabilities, and planning mitigation measures.
Rather than positioning communities as passive victims of disasters, CBDRR recognizes them as key actors with local knowledge and practical experience.
In the case of Krejengan Village, residents were invited to participate directly in discussions, data collection, and mapping activities that documented disaster threats within their environment.
The participatory approach was designed not only to generate accurate risk data but also to increase community awareness and preparedness.
Research Methodology in Simple Terms
The research team implemented a participatory field program involving several stages:
Preparation Phase
- Initial observations of disaster risks in Krejengan Village
- Coordination with local authorities and community leaders
Community Engagement
- Interviews with residents about past disasters
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving community representatives
Participatory Risk Mapping
- Residents worked together to identify vulnerable areas
- Local knowledge was used to mark flood-prone zones and evacuation routes
Data Validation and Analysis
- Researchers and community members reviewed findings together
- Results were refined and validated collaboratively
Action Planning
- Development of a Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan for the village
This participatory methodology allowed the researchers to combine academic analysis with the lived experience of local residents.
Five Major Vulnerabilities Identified
The research identified five primary forms of vulnerability affecting Krejengan Village:
Infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and housing is susceptible to flooding and extreme weather.
Economic vulnerability
Many residents depend on livelihoods that can be disrupted by floods and environmental damage.
Environmental vulnerability
Changes in land use and environmental conditions increase the likelihood of flooding.
Social vulnerability
Limited disaster awareness and preparedness can hinder rapid response during emergencies.
Stronger coordination among local institutions is needed to support disaster management.
Understanding these vulnerabilities helps communities prioritize mitigation strategies and allocate resources effectively.
A Community-Created Disaster Risk Map
One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the creation of a participatory disaster risk map for Krejengan Village.
This map identifies:
- Areas most vulnerable to flooding
- Emergency evacuation routes
- Safe gathering points for residents during disasters
Because villagers participated directly in creating the map, they gained a deeper understanding of their own risk landscape.
The mapping process also encouraged discussions about environmental management, infrastructure improvements, and community preparedness.
Action Plan for a Disaster-Resilient Village
Based on the findings, the research team and community members jointly developed a Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan for Krejengan Village.
Key initiatives include:
- Establishment of a Village Disaster Risk Reduction Forum
- Implementation of a Disaster-Safe School program to educate students
- Community environmental awareness programs
- Strengthening coordination between residents and village authorities
These initiatives aim to create long-term resilience rather than temporary solutions.
Real-World Impact and Policy Implications
The findings support Indonesia’s broader disaster management framework, including national policies derived from Law No. 24 of 2007 on Disaster Management.
The study demonstrates that disaster mitigation is most effective when local communities are actively involved.
Priyanto and his colleagues from Universitas Dr. Soetomo emphasize that participatory approaches strengthen both preparedness and local governance.
As the researchers explain, community participation in every stage of disaster mitigation “increases preparedness, strengthens local institutions, and supports the creation of adaptive and sustainable disaster-resilient villages.”
The model implemented in Krejengan Village can also be replicated in other disaster-prone regions across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
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