Analysis by the Capability Approach on the Well-Being of Residents in Aceh, Indonesia whose Recovery from a Disaster is Delayed

Abstract

　　In recent years, various issues have been discussed regarding the processes of recovery in disaster-affected areas around the world.　One of the issues is differences in the level of recovery within disaster-stricken areas, a problem that also persists in Aceh, Indonesia following the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami.　This study aimed to show the value of utilizing the Capability approach to analyze and verify the cause of delays in recovery.　The study is based on individual cases focusing on the well-being of the people from the point of view of justice.　This study builds on the findings of surveys conducted in Banda Aceh, the capital city of Aceh, and in the Aceh Jaya Region located in the remote coastal areas, where rebuilding has been delayed.　In Glee-Putoh of Lamno Village in Aceh Jaya, further qualitative research was conducted in this small community by focusing on the lives of people during the recovery process from the perspectives of individuals.　

　　The study highlighted the difficulties in the people’s recovery due to the lack of support from the government to rebuild their livelihood after the area was significantly damaged by a disaster.　When the recovery of the people’s lives is delayed, the study found that the capability that consists of so called “functionings” of political and material freedom and choices were particularly lacking.　These functionings are essential elements for making people’s lives truly human.　In order for the people to be able to rebuild their lives that they desire in a proactive way, it is important for the people to not be left behind in the rebuilding process by cooperation with other stake holders, while exercising their own practical reason and public interactions with the government, municipalities and experts.

JEL Classifications:I31, P46, R28