Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest risk of natural disasters in the world. According to data from the World Risk Report (WRI) 2023, Indonesia has a disaster risk index of 43.4 percent, placing it as the second most disaster-prone country globally. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is highly susceptible to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) reported in 2024 that women are among the groups most vulnerable to gender-based violence during disasters. In fact, a 2010 study by UNDP found that women are more at risk of becoming disaster victims than men.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded 2,107 disasters in Indonesia throughout 2024. Back in 2018, BNPB stated that women are 14 times more likely to become disaster victims than adult men. This increased risk is largely due to women’s instinct to prioritize saving their families and children over their own safety.

Women are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence during disasters. According to Andy Yentriyani, Chair of Komnas Perempuan, women experience layered vulnerabilities such as sexual harassment, sexual violence, unequal access to aid, and domestic violence (DV) in disaster settings. Citing News.republika.co.id, at least 12 cases of violence against women and children occurred in the refugee camps following the 2019 Palu earthquake. Gender-based violence is often facilitated by factors such as the lack of private sleeping spaces, inadequate sanitation facilities, and the loss of economic access, which perpetrators exploit to abuse women.

The Indonesian government has actually established regulations to protect women and children during disasters, through the Ministerial Regulation of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) No. 13 of 2020 on the Protection of Women and Children in Disaster Situations. Additionally, empowering women must become a top priority in disaster risk reduction programs. Actively involving women in disaster planning and training processes not only enhances their capacity to respond but also enables them to become agents of change within their communities.

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), involving women in disaster planning can improve response effectiveness by up to 30%. Unfortunately, the BNPB’s 2022 report revealed that only around 20% of women were actively involved in village-level disaster volunteer structures. Capacity building through training to prepare women for future disasters is a crucial aspect.
Strengthening women’s economic position and leadership is a vital strategy in reducing their vulnerability to disasters and enhancing community resilience overall. Women with economic independence and confidence are better prepared to face emergencies.

A 2021 World Bank report titled Gender Dimensions of Disaster Risk and Resilience – Existing Evidence stated that economically disadvantaged women have a higher mortality risk in natural disasters. This is due to their limited access to information, resources, and social support necessary to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. When women have economic resources and a voice in decision-making, community resilience increases significantly. Their involvement can foster disaster-resilient micro-enterprises, manage community emergency funds, and serve as trainers or mentors to others. The UNDRR report also noted that active participation of women in disaster risk management can reduce losses by 20–30%.

Improving women’s capacity and empowerment in disaster response not only protects them but also reduces the risk of gender-based violence, which often escalates in crisis situations. Through training, economic empowerment, and leadership development, women are better equipped to face disasters, prevent violence, and create safer environments.

We witnessed such a disaster in Sigi District and Palu City, Central Sulawesi, in 2018. Recovery and community strengthening efforts, particularly for women, are ongoing. One such initiative is being carried out by the Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) in collaboration with the Karsa Institute, supported by UN Women with funding from KOICA, to strengthen the resilience of women and youth groups in Sigi District. Women’s economic empowerment, capacity building, and participation at the village level are being implemented. Women’s Economic Groups (KUEP) were initiated as platforms for empowerment, alongside efforts to raise awareness about gender equality in villages such as Ngata Baru, Pesaku, Rarampadende, Pombewe, Ramba, and Wisolo. The involvement of various parties, including relevant government agencies, plays a crucial role in implementation in Sigi.

Collaborative efforts must continue to ensure that women have equal opportunities, support, and access in all situations, including during crises and disasters. Partnerships between the government, humanitarian organizations, communities, and other stakeholders are essential to strengthen the active role of women as agents of change in a more just and violence-free disaster management system.

Writer: Kukuh A. Tohari
Editor: Swiny Adestika