IMPLEMENTATION OF DISASTER MITIGATION POLICIES IN NATUNA REGENCY (Case Study: Forest and Land Fires in Cemaga Village)

Abstract

Natuna Regency is highly vulnerable to forest and land fire ( Karhutla ) disasters, particularly in Cemaga Village. Disaster mitigation efforts are regulated by Regional Regulation Number 14 of 2019 as a risk reduction measure. However, its implementation still faces several challenges, including limited funding, insufficient resources, low public awareness, and weak inter-agency coordination. This study aims to analyze the implementation of disaster mitigation policies in handling forest and land fires in Cemaga Village, using George C. Edward III's policy implementation theory. A qualitative method was employed, with data collected through interviews and documentation. The findings show that the implementation of Karhutla mitigation policies has not been optimal. Major obstacles include limited resources in terms of budget, equipment, and qualified personnel. Uneven communication hampers the effective dissemination of information to the public. Coordination among relevant agencies—BPBD, DLHK, and the Fire Department—is ineffective, leading to delayed responses during fire incidents. Difficult access to fire-prone locations and inadequate equipment hinder further early response efforts. Moreover, community involvement in mitigation activities remains limited, despite the crucial role of public participation in preventing and managing forest and land fires, especially in high-risk areas such as Cemaga Village