A Study of Life Recovery and Social Capital regarding Disaster Victims −A Case Study of Indian Ocean Tsunami and Central Java Earthquake Recovery−

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the critical factors associated with life recovery for disaster victims. Huge disasters undoubtedly impact and change lives. Life recovery is a subjective issue that differs from social values, living conditions, loss, etc. Although the importance of life recovery has been previously addressed, international assistance for victims in disaster-affected areas continues to be directed toward conventional needs such as housing reconstruction and livelihood development, often failing to fully consider life recovery. In this paper, we try to explore the critical factors associated with life recovery through a case study of Indonesia, which has recently experienced two massive natural disasters—the Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2004, and the Central Java Earthquake on May 27, 2006. By conducting field studies, we highlight and examine the critical factors relating to life recovery in Indonesia. Thereafter, we analyze the results according to the societal background of each community, especially as it relates to social capital.