Development and Disaster in Developing Countries

Post-Disaster Reconstruction in Aceh Following the Sumatra Earthquake and Tsunami

Abstract

This article addresses social changes in Aceh, Indonesia—the largest affected area of the Sumatra earthquake and tsunami. The results of our community survey revealed the following main points. First, the characteristics of urbanization in developing countries, such as segregated resource exploitation and enclave economy, have significant implications with respect to the root causes of the disaster. Second, owing to proactive remarriage and childbirth after the disaster, the populations of affected communities have recovered to their peak levels. This finding suggests that the community's intrinsic function is rooted in survival value. Third, the gap in economic reconstruction between regions is expanding, which is significantly related to differences in the livelihood structures of communities. Finally, the disaster reconstruction process is also closely interconnected with long-term economic development in Aceh Province, which seeks to transform the previous enclave economy into an autonomous regional economy. In this sense, disaster reconstruction in Aceh is significant for not only disaster studies but also for community and regional studies in contemporary developing countries that are in the midst of decentralization.