ABSTRACT
This chapter considers methods for linking recovery with long-term development following disasters. It examines how the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Java earthquake in 2006 provided opportunities for Indonesia to develop disaster-response mechanisms that helped to build a resilient society, how donors provided support for these efforts, and how integrating recovery activities into long-term development could contribute to promoting resilience. This chapter shows that a potential gap between relief and rehabilitation was avoided following the mega-disasters mainly because of large-scale, flexible, and un-earmarked funding. In the period between the Indian Ocean tsunami and the Java earthquake, disaster response mechanisms evolved. For example, resilient houses were quickly reconstructed in Yogyakarta. Through learning from the disasters, Indonesia was able to strengthen disaster risk reduction by developing institutions and legislation. Donors coordinated different assistance schemes to link recovery with long-term development by providing support for recovery of original functions by reconstructing buildings, and developing institutional capacities in health, education, and livelihoods. However, weak links were found in some areas between recovery and development, and the scale of some efforts is declining. The chapter concludes by recommending practical approaches for linking recovery and long-term development.
