Challenges and Barriers in Disaster Mitigation Education in Banyumas Regency

BACKGROUND: Indonesia has very huge natural disaster potential risks. To reduce the impacts of disaster, proper and massive mitigation education toward society is very imperative. Disaster mitigation education has been carried out in both formal and non-formal sectors. While National Disaster Management Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana) has educated the public massively, in formal sector there has been only regulation and guidance from the Ministry of Education. However, its implementation in local areas still encountered many obstacles and challenges, especially in Banyumas regency. AIM: This study aims to explore disaster mitigation process education in Banyumas Regency. METHODS: This qualitative study recruited 11 participants who involved in disaster mitigation process using purposive sampling method. A focus-group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview method were adopted to explore data regarding disaster education. Researchers used a semi-structured interview form consisting of ten questions during the data collection process. Literatures related to disaster mitigation regulations were also critically analyzed. Data were recorded, trancripted, discussed, and categorized manually. RESULTS: As a result, the study revealed two main themes in disaster mitigation education: lack of law enforcement in implementing disaster education and lack of people’s awareness for disaster education. The categories under the themes are disaster education regulation, lack of standardized disaster guideline and curriculum, and lack of disaster education awareness and education approach. CONCLUSION: Educating disaster mitigation through formal education from the early stage is very significant. Substantial matters need to be well constracted are guidelines for implementing disaster education in schools as well as curriculum based on the concepts and implementation, correct construct, and subject matter. Encouraging the awareness of disaster preparedness since an early age is important to instill the right techniques.