THE ROLE OF FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS DISASTER RISK GOVERNANCE: A CASE STUDY OF MOUNT SINABUNG ERUPTION IN KABUPATEN KARO

Asima Siahaan (University of North Sumatra)

This article explores the role of church by analyzing its role in dealing and addressing disaster due to Mount Sinabung eruption in Karo Regency. Despite the centrality of religious teachings and institutions in the life of the larger part of communities in Karo, religion and its institutions have been neglected in discussion of disaster management in Karo. The role of faith-based institutions including the church has yet to be well explored and documented in the development and disaster studies. The main purpose of this article is to examine the role of church in dealing with disaster. It also aims at exploring the the contributions of church and their impact on addressing women’s needs and interests. Using qualitative research methods and case study design, this article argues that the spiritual church’s legitimacy community’s deep trust to religious institutions including church contributes significantly to the effectiveness of disaster management programs. The church plays crucial role in all stages of disaster not only in providing basic services but also extend to developing social capital which is crucial in the midst of scarcity during disaster. This article argues that religious institution through the application of gender sensitive approaches in providing and serving services also provides room for women to participate and benefits and thus transform gender relations from recovery and rehabilitation programs, thus contribute to a just and sustainable disaster governance.

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