Many residents in Indonesia are vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis, which have the potential to damage homes and property. In September 2018, an earthquake and tsunami in Palu Bay left thousands homeless, prompting the government to propose a relocation site further inland. However, many of these communities are reliant upon fishing for their livelihood and primary source of income – and so the NGO Arkom Indonesia worked with the community to identify an alternative relocation site in a safe zone that still enabled access to the sea.
The local government accepted the proposal, and the community soon collaborated with Arkom Indonesia and the government to rebuild homes in the safe zone. Recognizing the success of this project, this approach to post-disaster relocation has spread to other municipalities and prompted a policy change, allowing for residents to have a say in where and how they rebuild.
Source:
World Habitat Awards. (2021) Building Homes Collectively for Better Habitat. World Habitat Awards Winners: Bronze 2021.