Banda Bekali and local knowledge in flood management: 100 years of social and environmental interaction in Padang City

Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: jonson@soc.unand.ac.id

Abstract

Floods have plagued Padang City for centuries, with severe events recorded almost annually between 1890 and the early 20th century, peaking in 1904. The damages during that period reportedly reached two million guilders. In response, the Dutch East Indies colonial government constructed the Banda Bekali canal system to mitigate flood risks. While the canal has reduced the severity of flooding, it remains a persistent issue in the city. This study, marking over 100 years since Banda Bekali’s establishment, examines the canal’s role in flood management. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach, the research focuses on the canal’s sections in Padang, selecting informants through purposive sampling based on age, gender, and societal roles. Data collection includes observations, in-depth interviews, and literature reviews. The study aims to understand the community’s interaction with the canal and the local knowledge surrounding flood control. It explores the Minangkabau people’s flood and disaster management systems and reflects on the 100-year history of Banda Bekali as a mitigation strategy. Through triangulation, this research hopes to contribute to improved flood disaster management strategies in Padang, drawing on both historical analysis and contemporary local knowledge.