LOCAL WISDOM OF NIAS PEOPLE IN FACING EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI DISASTER
Abstract
In just three months, during December 26th, 2004 to March 28th, 2005, Nias island which is located at the west coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean, was shaken by a massive earthquake in a row of 9.2 and 8.7 on the Richter scale and followed by the rise of tsunami tides to the land. These disasters has destroyed numerous lives of Nias island; particularly the physical buildings such as houses, office buildings, hospitals, houses of worship, schools, roads, bridges and other public facilities, even the agricultural area and settlements were shattered. Furthermore, the earthquake and tsunami that happened in Nias island on 28 March wiped out nearly 900 victims and more than 6000 people were injured. The deaths and injuries were mainly caused by the buildings wreckage which was built by using modern architecture. On the other hand, many of the Niassian survived and saved from the danger of the earthquake and tsunami. In general, those who survived were who lived far from the coast and in the highlands, or who lived in simple house omohada which was built by using traditional architecture based on the society local wisdom there. The wisdom is also as mitigation strategy to minimize impact of the earthquake and tsunami disaster that frequently hit the island.