Future directions in disaster governance: insights from the 2018 Central Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami response

Abstract

On September 28, 2018, a series of natural hazards struck the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi, resulting in unprecedented and widespread damage and loss. This article explores the governance of formal/official disaster response in Palu by analyzing themes drawn from desk research, key informant interviews, and field observation. It particularly examines (i) the processes that facilitate or limit the effective coordination of actors, information, and resources during the response, and (ii) the dynamics that promote or hinder inclusive disaster governance using social domains theory. This article aims to present the main challenges, successful practices, broad trends, and significant opportunities to help responders and humanitarians improve cooperation while assisting and protecting vulnerable populations from compound risks and simultaneous disasters. It also seeks to support researchers and policymakers by offering an expanded framework for assessing and improving the governance of future joint disaster responses in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.