Bridging policy and practice in tsunami disaster risk reduction: Evaluating local implementation challenges in eastern Indonesia

As an archipelagic country located in an active tectonic region, Indonesia faces a high risk of tsunami disasters, particularly in its eastern regions, such as Maluku. Gaps in the disaster risk governance framework for building resilience through the four priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) potentially lead to the failure of achieving SFDRR targets by 2030. This study evaluates tsunami risk reduction policies and guidelines at national and local levels, identifies gaps in their implementation, and provides recommendations for enhancing policy effectiveness. This research utilizes multitemporal and multi-institutional data covering the period from the post-independence era of the Republic of Indonesia (after 1945) to the year 2023. Using thematic policy analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, the research finds that although Indonesia has adopted various regulations aligned with the SFDRR 2015–2030, challenges remain in policy integration, resource limitations, and suboptimal interagency coordination. The lack of comprehensive risk data and low public awareness also pose significant barriers to effective mitigation strategies. This study recommends a more integrated approach through institutional capacity building, risk-based spatial planning, strengthened community participation, and the utilization of technology in early warning systems . By reinforcing the synergy between national policies and local implementation, tsunami risk reduction efforts in Maluku Province and Ambon City can become more effective in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities against future disasters.