Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Community Literacy About Tsunamis In Three Villages (Hutumuri, Hative Kecil And Galala) - Ambon Island

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Edwin Rizal1 , Ute Lies Siti Khadijah2 , Rizki Nurislaminingsih3 , Rully Khairul Anwar4

Abstract

Based on literature reviews and brief interviews with several residents in the preliminary research, we argued that the people in Hutumuri, Hative Kecil, and Galala affected by the 1950 tsunami, had knowledge of tsunami symptoms and could describe their characteristics. We also had other arguments that the living witness told the incident to family, neighbors, and friends, indicating that the people in the area were literate about disasters. Therefore this study aimed to discover the informant's literacy of tsunamis in Hutumuri, Hative Kecil, and Galala.This research used a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and literature analysis. The residents selected as informants consisted of tsunami witnesses and descendants of living witnesses. Data from all of our informants were sorted out according to the study purpose, and then scientifically strengthened with a literature review (books, journals, online newspapers, and official government websites).Community literacy about tsunamis in Hutumuri, Hative Kecil, and Galala can be known from their knowledge about natural signs before and after a disaster. Besides, they also share knowledge and keep remembering while adding new knowledge about the tsunami. Knowledge is shared verbally with family, neighbors, and friends in daily conversation. They also share their knowledge in official events commemorating the 1950 tsunami in the church, at traditional ceremonies, church socialization, and discussions in village forums. How to share knowledge verbally is already a part of everyday life. Official conversations at church forums and traditional events aim to remember the 1950 tsunami while taking valuable lessons from the incident. The purpose of church socialization and discussions in village forums is to share knowledge about disasters while adding new experiences. Thus, people become literate about tsunamis.This research found that the community also shared their knowledge verbally through the singing of the song Air Turun Naik in Hutumuri and the song Banjir Galala. Another finding was the use of a loudspeaker (TOA) to deliver emergency information about the disaster by the Galala village manager. Hutumuri people use church bells and drums as communication tools to convey information on danger signs.

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