Post-Earthquake Resilience of Minangkabau Communities

Socio-Cultural Adaptation in West Sumatra

Abstract

This study explores the resilience of Minangkabau communities in West Sumatra after the 2009 earthquake, focusing on how indigenous socio-cultural systems contribute to disaster recovery. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 key informants, participant observation, and document analysis. The study identifies three key resilience pillars: the matrilineal kinship system, which organizes resource distribution and disaster response roles; the nagari governance system, whose dual leadership enables swift decision-making and coordination; and religious frameworks that provide psychological support and facilitate collective recovery efforts. Framed through structural functionalism, these cultural subsystems interact to maintain social equilibrium and adaptive capacity in times of crisis. Findings suggest that integrating traditional knowledge with selected modern innovations creates more sustainable and culturally relevant recovery strategies than relying solely on external disaster management models. This research contributes to the understanding of adaptive governance and community resilience by highlighting the critical role of indigenous institutions in disaster-prone regions.