Religious Leaders' Responses to Government Political Policies Following Flood and Landslide Disasters in Barumun, Padang Lawas, North Sumatra

Hamdan Daulay, - and Okrisal Eka Putra, - and Rajabbul Amin, - Religious Leaders' Responses to Government Political Policies Following Flood and Landslide Disasters in Barumun, Padang Lawas, North Sumatra. FAKULTAS DAKWAH DAN KOMUNIKASI, Yogyakarta.

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Abstract

The flood and landslide disasters that struck several regions of Sumatra, including Barumun, Padang Lawas, North Sumatra, have generated substantial social, economic, and environmental challenges. Beyond causing physical damage to infrastructure, agricultural land, and places of worship, these disasters have also raised concerns regarding environmental degradation and the effectiveness of government policies in disaster mitigation and recovery. In this context, religious leaders play a strategic role as moral authorities and community mediators in responding to government policies and strengthening social resilience. This study aims to examine the role of religious leaders in environmental preservation, their responses to government environmental policies, and their perspectives on post-disaster recovery policies in Barumun, Padang Lawas, North Sumatra. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving twenty religious leaders consisting of fifteen Muslim leaders and five Christian leaders. The collected data were analyzed through a descriptive qualitative process to identify patterns, meanings, and relationships among the findings. The results reveal three major findings. First, religious leaders play a significant role in preventing environmental degradation by promoting moral and religious values that encourage environmental stewardship and condemn destructive practices. Second, religious leaders respond positively to government environmental policies, particularly those related to forest conservation, the prevention of illegal logging, and reforestation programs. Collaborative initiatives involving local governments, religious leaders, and communities have strengthened environmental rehabilitation efforts. Third, religious leaders strongly support post-disaster recovery policies, including the rehabilitation of places of worship, river restoration programs, community economic recovery, and housing reconstruction. Their active involvement in both religious outreach and community-based activities has enhanced public trust and contributed to social recovery. The study concludes that religious leaders serve as influential actors in promoting environmental awareness, supporting public policies, and fostering community resilience in post-disaster contexts.

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