Assessing the cultural state after the disaster as a driver for sustainable development

Abstract

Abstract In disaster situations, physical buildings and infrastructures can be damaged or destroyed, including the community’s livelihood, yet generally, the cultural structures that shaped the settlements persist. However, local cultural values have been commonly ignored in a postdisaster intervention. It creates conflict, which results in improper development practice that contributes to the weak sustainability outcomes. Using the Aceh tsunami disaster as a case study, this study examines how far the community recognises their cultural values after the disaster. It argues that culture is a potential resource that is significant for community building. Thus, assessing the cultural state of the affected community is vital to be carried out for the longer term of sustainability of the new development. The study relied on a qualitative approach as the primary methodology. The data was collected through a series of fieldwork, which involved indepth interviews and site observations. It was supported by desk research to gather related statistical information and literature. The study targeted all levels of the community ranging from young people, elderly, key persons (such as the head of the village and religious leaders), male and female, educated, and uneducated people. The desk research was conducted to get the overview and background information regarding the history of the places, significant values, profile of the areas, and the statistical data. Both tangible (such as substantial buildings, monuments, and sites) and intangible aspects, including everyday life, cultural interaction, and traditional practices were assessed. The study covered the area of Banda Aceh city and part of Aceh Besar district. Both were the devastated areas hit by the tsunami disaster of 26th December 2004. Studies on the importance of culture for sustainable development have been carried out; however, this study will be different since it focuses on sustainable development in the context of post-disaster, which was not commonly studied. The results of this study offer a lesson learned and provide a recommendation for the planning of sustainable development after a disaster. It may also contribute to the development studies and practices in general.