Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Modern Disaster Risk Reduction Systems for Enhanced Community Resilience

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific methodologies to enhance disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Indigenous communities in this region have historically developed disaster management strategies through direct experience and cultural practices. This research employed ethnographic methods, including in-depth interviews and document analysis, to examine the categorization of indigenous knowledge and its potential for integration with scientific disaster management strategies. The findings indicate that while some knowledge is transmitted across generations, other knowledge is shaped by local experiences and interactions with the environment. Technical indigenous knowledge, often associated with specific disaster preparedness measures, is more readily integrated with contemporary scientific approaches. The paper contends that the combined utilization of indigenous and scientific knowledge can enhance disaster resilience and diminish vulnerability in these communities. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the role of indigenous knowledge in disaster management by providing a case study of its integration in the Mentawai Islands, thereby offering insights into the advantages of cross-disciplinary collaboration in improving local disaster preparedness.