Critical point on housing construction, resilience and family subjective welfare after disaster: Notes from the Lombok, Indonesia, earthquake sequence of July-August 2018

Abstract

Families in earthquake-prone areas are vulnerable, the earthquake affecting their quality of life. Earthquakes also disrupt the distribution of welfare, even the fulfillment of basic family needs. In this study, we analyze the critical points of earthquake relief for housing construction assistance following earthquake sequence in Lombok, Indonesia, including the changes and the influence of resilience, i.e., economic, social, and psychological, towards the subjective well-being of the family following the Lombok earthquake sequence of July-August 2018. Using primary data collection in Lombok through a family survey questionnaire at 6 months after the earthquake, we found that there was a sharp increase in poverty and a sharp decrease of income in the first month after the disaster, which returned gradually through to the sixth month. The same pattern occurs in family resilience in terms of economic, social, and psychological aspects. We also found that changes in family security, i.e., economic, social and psychological, have a negative effect on their subjective well-being. This study highlights three critical points in rebuilding disaster victims' houses following Mw 6.4-6.9 Lombok earthquake sequence of July–August 2018. First, the decision regarding the absence of temporary shelter. Second, the statement that housing assistance funds may be used for small family businesses. Third, the validity of the damaged housing data and the choice of house type.

Keywords

• the lombok earthquake sequence
• family resilience
• housing assistance
• poverty
• subjective welfare