ELDERLY BEHAVIOR SETTING TO RESPONDING ERUPTION DISASTER AT THE TRESNA WERDHA SOCIAL SERVICE CENTER, PAKEMBINANGUN

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the elderly respond to disaster
situations involving volcanic eruptions in Indonesia. The study was conducted at the
Tresna Werdha Social Service Center (Balai Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha—
BPSTW) in Pakembinangun, located 14 km from the summit of Mount Merapi, the
most active volcano in Indonesia. This research applied an in-depth analysis of the
behavior settings of vulnerable elderly groups using a deductive-qualitative research
method. The data collection methods included observation, behavior mapping, time
budgeting, and interviews. The research results include the formulation of standard
behavior patterns of the elderly in responding to the potential for volcanic eruptions,
particularly at BPSTW: 1) Comfort and safety are obtained from rooms/lodgings that
have high accessibility and visibility (close to exits and close to assembly areas); 2)
Elderly individuals with total physical disabilities and severe mental impairments
require assistance for emergency response activities, necessitating quick connectivity
in terms of accessibility and visibility for caregivers and other elderly individuals
(mutual assistance); 3) Agreement on the division of roles and responsibilities
between managers and the elderly in emergency response activities (formation of an
emergency response team; regular disaster mitigation training). These behavioral
settings can contribute to the basic knowledge of inclusive design, particularly for
vulnerable elderly groups in responding to specific conditions related to volcanic
eruption disasters.