The Preliminary Study of the Role of Islamic Teaching in the Disaster Risk Reduction (A Qualitative Case Study of Banda Aceh, Indonesia)

The role of religion in the post-disaster has been recognized, yet its contribution to mitigate in pre-disaster stage is limited studied. This study identifies and analyzes the Islamic teaching as one of the aspects in the disaster risk reduction program in school and community. Qualitative data was gathered from observation and in-depth interview of community and school members in one of sub-district severely hit by tsunami 2004, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Result of study reveals that Islamic teachings are applied to explain the relationship between religion and natural disaster both in the school and community mostly in the post-disaster context instead of preparedness. In school, the religion-natural disaster relationship messages are focused on the stories of natural disaster in the Holy Quran, accepting natural disaster as God's will and the importance to ask (Doa) protection to Allah. Such themes can be found in the text books, school walls and teaching processes in school. Islamic messages received by residents are mostly delivered from religious leader directly, mass media and public signboards. The contents are mostly conveying messages that disasters are as a test or a warning from Allah, natural disaster as a G will and wrath, and the need to improve beliefs (taqwa) on Allah. Although most of participants believe that disaster is as a God's will, they believe that people should take a preparation action for the next disaster. The development of risk communication-based intervention should take into account the Islamic teaching to educate people to be more prepared for next disaster by discussing the interpretation of Holy Quran verses related to the natural disaster.