Indigenous knowledge for disaster mitigation and climate threats in Mentawai, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change and natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes and tsunamis pose a serious threat to coastal communities, including the Mentawai, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This research aims to explore and integrate the indigenous knowledge of Mentawai people in disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation. Using mixed methods research with a sequential explanatory model, quantitative data were collected from 106 respondents through a cross-sectional survey, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with nine participants, including village officials, religious leaders and local residents. Results show that the majority of the community understands and practices indigenous knowledge such as reading natural signs, the traditional ritual Tinapat and the use of traditional kentongan. These practices help them prepare for and adapt to the impacts of earthquakes, tsunamis and coastal abrasion. However, the application of indigenous knowledge is still limited and is only done occasionally by most respondents. Climate change has a significant impact, such as increased coastal abrasion, decreased agricultural yields and changes in seasonal patterns, which affects people’s livelihoods. In addition, religion plays an important role in raising environmental awareness through rituals, prayers and sermons. Government support to integrate indigenous knowledge into mitigation policies is still considered to need improvement. Community expectations include improving education, environmental awareness and the provision of supporting facilities and technology. This research concludes that the synergies between indigenous knowledge, cross-sector collaboration and culture-based policy support can increase community resilience to disasters and climate change in a sustainable manner.

Contribution: This research contributes by enriching the literature on the integration of indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation, especially in coastal indigenous communities. The results are expected to be a reference in the development of sustainable culture-based policies, as well as supporting the improvement of community resilience to environmental threats through synergies among local traditions, education and technological support.