DROUGHT DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY: A PROPOSAL FOR A REGIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN IN EAST LOMBOK REGENCY, INDONESIA
Authors: Said As’ad Muhammad , Satispi Evi , Samudra Azhari Aziz 
Published: February 2024

Objective: This research aims to analyze the existing drought mitigation policies implemented in East Lombok Regency and evaluate their sustainability and effectiveness. Drought poses a significant threat to East Lombok Regency, Indonesia, potentially impeding sustainable development in the region.
 
Theoretical framework: The study employs the Disaster Risk Reduction Approach as outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It involves mapping Drought Disasters as a problem, assessing the Impact of Drought Disasters (Risk), examining the role of Institutions, exploring methods for handling disasters through Drought Emergency Response solutions, addressing Education on drought disasters, and identifying Challenges and Recommendations for the future.
 
Methodology: The research employs a qualitative approach involving the analysis of policy documents, interviews with stakeholders, and field surveys to gather data related to the implemented mitigation efforts.
 
Results: The findings indicate the significance of having a Regional Disaster Management Master Plan to guide mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. However, it has not been developed in the study area. Current efforts for drought mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response mainly involve routine activities, such as distributing clean water to affected locations, suggesting the need for a more innovative approach.
 
Conclusion: This study concludes that the absence of a Regional Disaster Management Master Plan hinders reactive and coordinated mitigation efforts. The sustainability of these programs is a significant concern and is crucial for establishing a robust strategic foundation for disaster management.
 
Recommendation: The study emphasizes the urgent need to design a comprehensive Regional Mitigation Master Plan. This initiative aims to enhance coordination between institutions, strengthen community capacity, and ensure the sustainability of mitigation efforts. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing potential drought disasters in East Lombok Regency, providing a basis for more effective and sustainable policymaking.
Research Implications: The research outlines the implications of formulating policy issues for designing a Regional Disaster Management Master Plan and establishing clearer regulations and Standard Operating Procedures in the future. These findings are crucial for guiding consistent and effective policies, ensuring a more diverse and resilient response to the challenges of recurring drought disasters in East Lombok Regency.
 
Originality/Value: This research delves into the paradigm shift within the field of drought disaster management, which still relies on conservative methods. The study paves the way for new regulatory guidelines by incorporating several crucial points in the draft Regional Disaster Management Master Plan, including Drought Disaster Mitigation Policy, Drought Emergency Response, and Drought Disaster Education. This research contributes new insights to the field, providing a deeper understanding of drought disaster management. A notable challenge is the absence of formulated comprehensive Regional Disaster Management Master Plans by implementers, with the current reliance on temporary regulations established by the Regional Disaster Management Agency.