Miki Susanto, a professor in the Department of Arts Management at the Indonesian Institute of Arts (ISI) in Yogyakarta, has called for the use of art as an effective means for education and emotional recovery, as well as a tool for public awareness in building community resilience against disasters. This statement was made during a discussion titled "The Role of Culture in Enhancing Community Resilience to Disasters," held on the institute's campus on Friday.
Susanto pointed out that there are three main relationships between art and disasters: disasters as representations in artworks, art as part of the recovery process, and art as a tool for public awareness. He emphasized that art can play a vital role in raising awareness about various events and ways to adapt to disasters.
Event Details
This discussion comes in the context of commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the Yogyakarta earthquake, where Susanto noted that artists have unique ways of documenting disaster events and reminding the community of the importance of preparedness to avoid repeating damages. He mentioned that artists should record events and remind people of the importance of readiness to reduce the number of victims in the future.
Susanto also highlighted that art can have a significant impact on the emotional recovery of communities after disasters, citing his experience following the Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006. He recalled how the community in the Siyan area of Bantul continued to express simple artistic expressions in the dark of night despite the challenging circumstances.
Background & Context
Historically, Indonesia has experienced numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis, which have forced Indonesian society to adapt to these challenges. The Yogyakarta earthquake of 2006 is considered one of the most impactful events in the country's history, resulting in thousands of deaths and the destruction of many homes. These events highlight the need to enhance awareness and preparedness for disaster response.
Culture and the arts are integral parts of Indonesian identity, and artists have used them as a means to express their feelings and experiences after disasters. Through the arts, communities can express their grief and regain their spirit through creativity.
Impact & Consequences
Susanto's call to include disaster themes in arts curricula is an important step toward enhancing community awareness. By teaching students how to use art as a means to express their experiences, art can become a powerful tool for social change. This type of education can also help build more resilient communities capable of facing future challenges.
Natural disasters require rapid and effective responses, and art can play a role in enhancing these responses. Through the arts, communities can learn how to better cope with crises, thereby reducing potential damages.
Regional Significance
In the Arab world, many countries face similar challenges, such as conflicts and natural disasters. Indonesia's experience in using art as a means for recovery and awareness can serve as a model. By promoting the arts and culture, Arab communities can build their capacities to face crises and enhance social cohesion.
In closing the discussion, Susanto emphasized the importance of fostering cultural and artistic understanding as a means to face future challenges, reflecting the need for innovative strategies to deal with disasters.