Community Participation and Strategy in Reducing Flood Disaster Risk in the East Flood Canal (BKT) Area

Abstract

Floods constitute the most prevalent natural disasters in metropolitan regions of Indonesia, particularly Jakarta. The East Flood Canal region (BKT), namely in the Pondok Bambu sub-district of East Jakarta, has significant vulnerability owing to its high population density and little public awareness on disaster mitigation. This project seeks to examine the modalities of community engagement and flood risk mitigation methods via a community-centric disaster education framework. This study employs a descriptive-qualitative methodology utilizing participatory observation techniques, comprehensive interviews, and documentation analysis. The informants include community leaders, disaster preparedness organizations, and engaged residents. The interactive Miles & Huberman model was employed for data analysis, encompassing reduction, data display, and conclusion formulation, with validity assessed through source and method triangulation. Research findings indicate that community involvement is crucial in flood mitigation, encompassing both structural methods like drainage management and non-structural strategies such as education and community initiatives. Local initiatives, such the conversion of plastic garbage into boats and disaster awareness campaigns, exemplify constructive involvement. The research finding underscores that effective flood risk mitigation necessitates partnership between the government and the community through a sustainable approach.