The Value of Local Wisdom Smong in Tsunami Disaster Mitigation in Simeulue Regency, Aceh Province

Abstract

When tsunami occurred in 26th December 2004, the number of people who died in Aceh Province land were 300.000 people whereas in Simeulue only 7 people who died. It is supposed that there is local wisdom in Simeulue community. The study is aimed to reveal the form of local wisdom smong in Simeulue community. The verification qualitative approach is used to test the ability descriptively. Data collection technique used in-depth interview, participatory observation, documentary study and literature study. Data analysis technique used Delphi method. The result of study showed that the local wisdom smong is tsunami early warning system which is implemented by Simeulue community through manafi-nafi (folkfore), mananga-nanga (cradlesong to lull a baby to sleep), and nandong (humming). Besides, morphology and the land use very support the mitigation toward tsunami. The people who live behind the hill are protected by lush vegetation as tsunami breakwater. The local wisdom smong is socialized through appeal information boards and songs included in UKM products which much consumed by community. All these ways become effective in increasing the community's knowledge of tsunami disaster mitigation. The government consistency to socialize smong need to be intensified to young generation in order that the local wisdom smong is not disappeared in Simeulue community.