Reframing Disaster Risk Governance through Soft Systems Methodology: An Inclusive Multi-Level Model for Women with Disabilities in North Lombok Regency

Abstract

The mainstreaming of social inclusion within Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) continues to face various implementation challenges, resulting in disproportionately higher levels of risk and disaster impacts among vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities. This study examines governance issues in inclusive DRR for women with disabilities in Pemenang Barat Village, Pemenang Sub-district, North Lombok Regency, Indonesia. From a disaster sociology perspective, the study offers a novel contribution by developing a more equitable, just, and accessible DRR governance model for women with disabilities. This research adopts an action research design employing Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), combined with mind mapping techniques. The study is also informed by New Institutionalism (Nee, 2005), which is used to examine the relationship between formal and informal institutions in DRR practices. The findings indicate that weak enforcement of both formal and informal rules has hindered the integration of social inclusion within DRR governance at macro, meso, and micro levels. This condition is subsequently addressed through Root Definition, producing three conceptual models to respond to the complexity of real-world problems. At the macro level, the establishment of a Disability Service Unit is proposed through a Regent Decree issued by the North Lombok Government. At the meso level, strengthening social networks and partnerships within the Village Disaster Preparedness Team (TSBD) is emphasized. At the micro level, capacity building for families and women with disabilities is conducted through community discussion forums. These three levels are interconnected through a systemic mechanism that links formal and informal institutional elements within a more inclusive DRR governance system.

Keywords: Governance, Disaster Risk Reduction, Social Inclusion, Women with Disabilities.