Implementation outcomes of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy in public facilities (PFs): Aceh perspective, Indonesia

Purpose Aceh province has established various infrastructure and regulations related to disaster risk and management after the Indian Ocean Tsunami (IOT) hit the province. Hence, this study investigates the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Public Facilities (PFs) in Banda Aceh municipality using implementation outcome variables (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, compliance, implementation cost, coverage and sustainability). Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and document reviews, were applied to collect data for this study. The data were then analysed thematically using NVivo 12 software. Findings The lack of public communication regarding DRR in PFs to all involved stakeholders resulted in poor acceptability, adoption, coverage and compliance with the policy implementation among public facilities’ chiefs, owners or managers. Additionally, they were reluctant to implement DRR plans and activities within their facilities due to limited DRR funds. Practical implications This study’s results can contribute to reviewing the policy and practices of Aceh government authorities and other involved stakeholders to improve policy implementation of DRR activities comprehensively across eight groups of public facilities in Banda municipality, other districts in Aceh province, and local areas in Indonesia. Further, the methods used in this study to assess DRR regulations’ progress towards the eight implementation outcome variables can be applied widely to other settings. Originality/value No research was found on examining the policy implementation of DRR in PFs in Aceh province, which motivated the author to conduct this work.