This book serves as reference material for Public Administration, Public Policy, and Disaster Mitigation Doctoral Program students. It aims to equip doctoral candidates and policymakers with a thorough understanding of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and fault conditions in Indonesia and other regions worldwide. By comprehending the causes and impacts of these disasters and the necessary solutions and decisions, individuals in these roles can effectively contribute to the well-being of communities.

Moreover, the book addresses stakeholders and policymakers at various levels of governance in Indonesia, urging them to grasp the geographical realities of the Indonesian region, situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, alongside 20 other countries. It emphasizes the seismic vulnerability of these regions and the imperative for disaster policy decision-makers to be well-informed and proactive in their approaches.

This book consists of four parts and 17 chapters, and diverse topics, from historical accounts of faults, earthquakes, and tsunamis to contemporary mitigation policies and practices. Part 1 explores the historical context of natural disasters in Indonesia, including significant events such as the Aceh tsunami and the 1,797 earthquake. Part 2 elucidates the geological causes of disasters, emphasizing phenomena like the Ring of Fire and fault lines.

Part 3 focuses on mitigation policies and disaster management phases, elucidating the four stages of disaster management and drawing lessons from past disasters like the Aceh tsunami. Part 4 delves into utilizing local wisdom in disaster management, exploring ancient earthquake detection methods, bamboo utilization for earthquake detection, and traditional instruments like Kentongan bamboo in disaster alert systems.

Parts 3 and 4 serve as the crux of the book, elucidating the importance of public and mitigation policies for policymakers at all levels of governance. It underscores the significance of integrating conventional methods employed by indigenous communities with contemporary approaches to disaster prevention and response. Through this holistic approach, policymakers can mitigate the adverse impacts of natural disasters and foster environmental stewardship to prevent future calamities originating from human
actions.

The book underscores the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern policies to manage natural disasters effectively. It advocates for proactive measures prioritizing environmental conservation and community resilience, thereby mitigating the adverse impacts of natural and human-induced disasters. Through a comprehensive understanding of disaster dynamics and applying local wisdom, policymakers can foster sustainable disaster management practices for societies and the environment’s well-being.