Strategy To Survive The Farmers Community Facing The Natural Disaster Of Mount Sinabung (Case Study Of Batukarang Village, Kec. Payung, Kab. Karo)

Surviving the Unpredictable: A Case Study of Batukarang Village's Resilience in the Face of Mount Sinabung's Natural Disaster

Introduction

Located in the heart of Karo Regency, Batukarang Village is a thriving agricultural community known for its production of tobacco, chili, and rice. However, the village's agricultural landscape has been drastically altered by the eruption of Mount Sinabung, a volcano that has been spewing ash and lava since 2010. The impact of this natural disaster has been severe, with crop yields plummeting to as low as 20%. In the face of this adversity, the farming community in Batukarang Village has demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity in finding ways to survive and thrive.

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Batukarang Village

The eruption of Mount Sinabung has had a profound impact on the people of Batukarang Village. The decline in agricultural products has not only reduced the economic income of the community but has also affected cooperation and mutual cooperation in the village. With a growing population and limited resources, the people of Batukarang Village face new challenges that force them to think creatively in finding solutions. The impact of natural disasters on the community is multifaceted, affecting not only the economy but also the social fabric of the village.

Surviving Strategies of the Batukarang Village Community

In the face of this adversity, the farming community in Batukarang Village has developed various strategies to survive and thrive. These strategies are a testament to the community's resilience and creativity in the face of uncertainty.

1. Reducing Household Expenses and Utilizing Local Resources

One of the strategies employed by the community is to reduce household expenses by utilizing local resources. People began to buy vegetables from stalls instead of relying on external sources. They also started planting vegetables in their yards, not only to meet their family's needs but also to sell excess produce. This strategy has helped the community to reduce their reliance on external sources and has provided an opportunity for them to generate additional income.

2. Transitioning to More Economical Plant Types

Another strategy employed by the community is to transition from plants that require high capital, such as chili, to more economical and quickly harvested plants, such as beans and bitter vegetables. This strategy aims to minimize losses and ensure that there are harvests in a short time. By transitioning to more economical plant types, the community has been able to reduce their financial losses and has been able to generate income more quickly.

3. Engaging in Side Work

In addition to reducing household expenses and transitioning to more economical plant types, the community has also engaged in side work to generate additional income. They have taken on jobs in other people's fields, known as "Ngemo," to supplement their income. This strategy has provided the community with an additional source of income and has helped them to meet their family's needs.

4. Utilizing Social Networks

Finally, the community has utilized social networks to access capital and resources. They have borrowed from relatives who are not affected by the disaster, as well as from "cooperation" groups that buy crops. They have also borrowed from banks on condition of using collateral. This strategy has provided the community with access to capital and resources, enabling them to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

The case study of Batukarang Village's resilience in the face of Mount Sinabung's natural disaster is a testament to the community's creativity and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Through their surviving strategies, the community has been able to reduce their financial losses, generate additional income, and improve their lives. This study highlights the importance of adaptation and cooperation in facing the challenges of natural disasters and underscores the need for support for people affected by such disasters. The strategies employed by the community not only function to survive but also demonstrate the resilience and spirit of a strong community even in the midst of difficulties.

Recommendations

Based on this case study, the following recommendations can be made:

• Support for affected communities: Governments and organizations should provide support for communities affected by natural disasters, including access to capital, resources, and expertise.
• Adaptation and resilience: Communities should be encouraged to develop adaptation and resilience strategies to face the challenges of natural disasters.
• Cooperation and collaboration: Communities should be encouraged to cooperate and collaborate with each other to share knowledge, resources, and expertise.
• Capacity building: Communities should be provided with capacity-building opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as agriculture, finance, and disaster management.

By implementing these recommendations, communities can be better equipped to face the challenges of natural disasters and can develop the resilience and adaptability needed to survive and thrive in the face of uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions: Surviving the Unpredictable - A Case Study of Batukarang Village's Resilience in the Face of Mount Sinabung's Natural Disaster

Q: What is the impact of Mount Sinabung's natural disaster on the people of Batukarang Village?

A: The eruption of Mount Sinabung has had a profound impact on the people of Batukarang Village, reducing crop yields to as low as 20% and affecting the community's economic income, cooperation, and mutual cooperation.

Q: What are the surviving strategies employed by the community in Batukarang Village?

A: The community in Batukarang Village has employed several surviving strategies, including reducing household expenses and utilizing local resources, transitioning to more economical plant types, engaging in side work, and utilizing social networks to access capital and resources.

Q: How have the community's surviving strategies helped them to survive and thrive in the face of adversity?

A: The community's surviving strategies have helped them to reduce their financial losses, generate additional income, and improve their lives. By adapting to the changing circumstances, the community has been able to survive and thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Q: What are some of the key lessons that can be learned from the community's surviving strategies?

A: Some of the key lessons that can be learned from the community's surviving strategies include the importance of adaptation and resilience, the need for cooperation and collaboration, and the importance of capacity building.

Q: How can governments and organizations support communities affected by natural disasters?

A: Governments and organizations can support communities affected by natural disasters by providing access to capital, resources, and expertise, as well as by promoting adaptation and resilience strategies.

Q: What are some of the challenges that communities may face in implementing surviving strategies?

A: Some of the challenges that communities may face in implementing surviving strategies include limited resources, lack of access to capital and expertise, and the need for cooperation and collaboration.

Q: How can communities build their capacity to face the challenges of natural disasters?

A: Communities can build their capacity to face the challenges of natural disasters by developing their skills and knowledge in areas such as agriculture, finance, and disaster management, as well as by promoting cooperation and collaboration.

Q: What is the importance of supporting communities affected by natural disasters?

A: Supporting communities affected by natural disasters is crucial for their survival and recovery. It can help to reduce the impact of the disaster, promote adaptation and resilience, and improve the community's overall well-being.

Q: How can individuals get involved in supporting communities affected by natural disasters?

A: Individuals can get involved in supporting communities affected by natural disasters by volunteering their time and skills, donating to reputable organizations, and spreading awareness about the issue.

Q: What are some of the long-term effects of natural disasters on communities?

A: Some of the long-term effects of natural disasters on communities include the loss of livelihoods, displacement of people, and the need for long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Q: How can communities recover and rebuild after a natural disaster?

A: Communities can recover and rebuild after a natural disaster by developing a comprehensive recovery plan, promoting cooperation and collaboration, and accessing resources and expertise.

Q: What is the role of governments in supporting communities affected by natural disasters?

A: Governments have a critical role to play in supporting communities affected by natural disasters, including providing emergency assistance, promoting adaptation and resilience, and supporting long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Q: How can communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters?

A: Communities can prepare for and respond to natural disasters by developing emergency plans, promoting public awareness and education, and accessing resources and expertise.

Q: What are some of the key factors that contribute to a community's resilience in the face of natural disasters?

A: Some of the key factors that contribute to a community's resilience in the face of natural disasters include the presence of strong social networks, access to resources and expertise, and a culture of cooperation and collaboration.