Empowerment and Post-disaster Poverty Reduction by a Local Community Organisation in Indonesia

Abstract

This article aims to discuss empowerment carried out by the Kampung Sablon Association (KSA) to reduce post-disaster poverty. The study was located in Pandes Village, Central Java, Indonesia. Following a qualitative approach, data were collected through document study, in-depth interviews and observations. Fifteen community members participated in the study. The analysis shows that local community initiative/organisation or internal community work provided employment opportunities, which empowered people and helped reduce poverty. Highlighting the significance of cooperation and network, it adds a fourth stage of empowerment towards realising a sustainable economy. It argues that while most studies show the external agents’ essential role in the post-disaster recovery context, it is critical to focus on the internal community organisation and practices, such as gotong royong, the Indonesian local wisdom, which was used by KSA to creating jobs and producing new confection entrepreneurs. The research implication is that the community should also be trained in the spirit and skills of entrepreneurship. It is a key to success in running a business and reducing poverty.