ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES POST EARTHQUAKE AT CIANJUR: QUICK ASSESSMENT BY RISE INDONESIA

On November 21, 2022 there was a 5.6 SR earthquake in the Cianjur Regency area. The BNPB report on 25 November 2022 stated that the earthquake has caused 310 fatalities and damaged to 59,043 housing units. In order to respond to disaster emergency situations, RISE Indonesia has conducted a survey (quick assessment) since 25 November 2022 and is still ongoing up until now. This survey was conducted to understand the impact of a disaster emergency situation on access to financial services, the needs of disaster survivors for financial services, and what is the best way to meet these needs.
This survey research method uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Respondents in this survey were disaster survivors in Cianjur who, when the survey was carried out, were currently taking refuge in several shelters, such as: centralized shelters, independent shelters, and there were also respondents who fled around their homes. Whereas in a qualitative approach, this survey was conducted by conducting interviews with various stakeholders, such as: Government Institutions, Non-Governmental Institutions, Financial Institutions, Humanitarian Institutions, Field Coordinators, and also Disaster Survivors.
The survey was conducted in several selected villages located in three sub-districts in Cianjur Regency, as follows:

  • • Bojongpicung sub-district: Cibarengkok Village and Sukaratu Village
    • Cilaku sub-district: Sirnagalih Village
    • Cugenang sub-district: Mangunkerta Village, Padaluyu Village and Sukajaya Village

It could be concluded from the survey that:

  • The impact of the earthquake on bank branch offices in Cianjur was relatively minor; while the biggest impact occurred in offices located right at epicentre, especially for non-bank institutions offices (Cooperatives).
  • The disaster has affected the incomes of most of the disaster victims.
  • The biggest impact of the disaster was on houses, family sanitation facilities, public sanitation facilities and house of worship.
  • The aids that have been received by the survivors is food, clothing and sanitation facilities, and the availability of good access.
  • Most of the survivors needs access to cash for their basic needs, food and home repairs.
  • Donation in the form of cash transfer could help to revive local markets
  • The financial services needed at this time are for cash withdrawals, receiving money (transfers), and receiving donation. Delivery channel preferences are bank agents, bank mobile car services (and bank mobile motorbikes services)

Some of the recommendations put forward by RISE Indonesia from this survey are:

  • The needs of post-disaster are varied and the magnitude of the logistical challenges faced, the aids should be prioritized in cash.
  • The distribution of assistance to the unbanked-society through the formal financial institutions can serve as a momentum to increase financial inclusion by opening accounts.
  • Reviving the market and renovating houses should be a priority for post-disaster programs
  • Bank agents, bank mobile car services (and motorbikes services) should be supported to serve the community’s need for financial services access
  • Involving a multi-stakeholder activity to accelerate reconstruction. Open access towards financial services for fundings/financing to renovate houses.
  • There is a need for bailouts money for housing repairs before receiving the government assistance in full.

 

The article above is a summary of survey activities conducted by RISE Indonesia, if you need a complete report on these activities, please contact the following contacts:

 

One Pacific Place Level 11,Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52 – 53, SCBD
Jakarta – 12190
(+62)21 2985 9874
info@riseindonesia.org
Web: www.riseindonesia.org