Challenges in implementing disaster risk reduction education: views from the frontline in Indonesia

This thesis investigates the implementation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) education in Indonesian schools. In the last decade, DRR education programs have been promoted as one of the pillars to save lives and reduce disaster losses, based on several studies that identified positive outcomes. However, most of these studies were undertaken in developed countries. There remain a limited number of studies in developing countries investigating the opportunities and barriers to implementation of DRR education in schools. The thesis uses a case study approach to explore the scaling up and sustainibility of DRR education in schools. The thesis uses a case study approach to explore the scaling-up and sustainability of DRR education in Indonesian schools. Literature relating to DRR education with children and the participation of children in DRR is critically assessed to document the strengths and weaknesses in both fields of study. Based on the review, a new research approach was developed for evaluating the implementation of DRR education programs. This new approach is used to examine DRR education in Jakarta, Indonesia, a rapidly growing megacity that is highly prone to disasters, especially floods and fire hazards. This study captured the perspectives of children, teachers, and Non-Governmental Organisations on the challenges of scaling-up the implementation of DRR education in schools. The study revealed seven key issues and suggests several strategic recommendations to move forward. These key issues may well be apparent in many other developing and developed countries, and the suggested recommendations may be applicable beyond Indonesia.