Chapter 2. Types and Patterns of Natural Disasters in Indonesia

Indonesia faces diverse disaster hazards shaped by its geographical position, geological conditions, climate, topography, and human activities. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are strongly influenced by tectonic conditions, while floods, landslides, droughts, and forest fires are associated with hydrometeorological factors and environmental changes. Disaster patterns also vary by region, with Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara facing particular earthquake and tsunami risks, Kalimantan being vulnerable to forest fires, and mountainous areas such as Papua facing landslide hazards. Climate change may increase the intensity of several hydrometeorological disasters, while deforestation, uncontrolled urbanization, and land burning increase vulnerability. Hazards may also trigger cascading disasters, such as earthquakes followed by tsunamis or landslides, floods followed by disease outbreaks, and droughts resulting in crop failure. Understanding regional risk patterns is therefore essential for integrated mitigation strategies.