This study examines human capital constraints undermining metropolitan disaster management effectiveness in Central Java's decentralized governance structures, investigating how public sector agencies can integrate digital technologies with workforce development programs to strengthen institutional capacity.Qualitative case study design was employed across Central Java's metropolitan areas from March to October 2023.Data collection involved semistructured interviews with 15 key informants, participant observation during disaster operations, and systematic document analysis.Data analysis using NVivo 12 software achieved 92% inter-rater reliability through triangulation strategies.Analysis identified four interconnected constraints: inadequate professional training allocating less than 15% time to specialized competencies, limited digital literacy preventing technology adoption, fragmented coordination with only 62% meeting attendance, and 15-20% annual staff turnover.Technology integration demonstrated 35% response time improvement through GIS training and mobile platforms managing 340 volunteers across 12 neighborhoods.The three-phase framework requires progressive budget allocations of 8-12%, 12-18%, and 15-20% across specified timeframes, while collaborative arrangements achieve 600% increase in trained personnel.This research extends adaptive capacity theory by demonstrating organizational adaptation in public administration depends fundamentally on workforce competencies enabling technology utilization and multi-stakeholder coordination within decentralized governance.The framework provides actionable guidance for metropolitan agencies and policymakers strengthening disaster management through systematic human capital development applicable to rapidly urbanizing developing countries.
Kurniawati et al. (Sat,) studied this question.