Consideration of Disaster Mitigation based on Visitor Awareness in Samalona Islet, Makassar
Ria Wikantari (a*), Rahmi Amin Ishak (b), Imrianti (c), Abdul Mufti Radja (d)

Department of Architecture Faculty of Engineering Hasanuddin University
Jalan Poros Malino Km.6 Bontomarannu, Gowa 92172 Indonesia

Abstract

Small islands that compose the Indonesia maritime continent are prone to marine disasters particularly storm surges. Samalona, an islet in Spermonde Archipelago about 6.8 km offshore of Makassar coastline experiences frequent extreme weather that affects its settlement such as repetitive damage or even total loss of buildings and infrastructures. It is an inhabited 2.4-hectare islet that contains 32 building units comprising houses, tourist lodges, public facilities, and coastal edifices such as wave breakers and boat piers.
This research aims to examine disaster mitigation in islet settlements from the visitor perspective with Samalona Islet in Makassar serves as a case. The objectives are: (i) to identify significant variables of building and landscape features, local contexts, and natural threats based on visitor awareness, and (ii) to recommend a conceptual model for disaster mitigation. Data were collected through field observations and questionnaire surveys with accidentally sampled 34 visitors. Quantitative analysis was undertaken using Spearman correlation technique, supported by qualitative examination using visual and spatial descriptions.
The result shows that the significant variables of building and landscape features are strengthening of the framework constructions of wall, roof, and foundation, also the building location. The significant variable of local contexts is strengthening of economic viability, while the significant variables of natural threats are subsequently abrasion, windstorm, and extreme waves. The most influencing factors of the visitor awareness are frequency and duration of visits. Visitors show awareness that preparedness to anticipate potential disaster is of utmost importance to enable reduction of damage by an actual disaster. This concludes that, according to visitor perspective, disaster mitigation for small island settlements should consider primarily structure of the building, the location, and economic viability of the settlement. A conceptual model is hence proposed based on these significant variables.

Keywords: disaster mitigation, building feature, landscape topography, islet settlement, tourist destination

Topic: Human factors