The 2024 flood in Demak Regency, Indonesia: A retrospective qualitative investigation into Indonesian Red Cross response

¹ Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang, Indonesia
² Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
³ Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
⁴ Asian Disaster Reduction Center, Kobe, Japan

^* Corresponding author: yuliarintadewi@mail.ugm.ac.id

Abstract

In early 2024, Demak Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, experienced severe flooding that affected 13 of 14 sub-districts, 70 villages, and over 131,703 residents. This study aimed to assess the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Demak Branch response by identifying the key actions undertaken and highlighting the integration of psychosocial aspects. Using a retrospective qualitative approach, the study analyzed PMI operational reports and news coverage from February and March 2024. PMI Demak provided healthcare services across nine camps, attending to 358 individuals with conditions such as cough and skin irritations, alongside logistical support, including meal distribution and clean water supply, and post-disaster sanitation of wells and public facilities. A total of 123 personnel, comprising volunteers and staff, were mobilized, with additional support from external PMI branches. Operational challenges were observed, including weak coordination, spontaneous volunteer mismanagement, and fragmented data systems. The findings also revealed significant psychological distress among victims, particularly children and the elderly, as well as stress signs among volunteers. Strengthening coordination, integrating systematic psychosocial support, and improving volunteer management are recommended to enhance disaster response resilience in flood-prone areas.