Abstract
Post-disaster reconstruction often prioritizes speed and efficiency over cultural continuity, threatening the survival of vernacular heritage. This study examines community-led approaches to preserving built vernacular heritage in post-disaster contexts across Southeast Asia, drawing lessons from case studies in Indonesia, Nepal, China, and Thailand. Using a qualitative comparative analysis of five reconstruction projects (Patan, Banda Aceh, Dujiangyan, Aceh, and Chiang Mai), the research evaluates levels of community participation, integration of local knowledge, and outcomes for heritage authenticity and resilience. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 62 stakeholders, field observations, and document analysis. Results indicate that high community involvement correlates with greater preservation of vernacular materials and techniques, but also with longer reconstruction timelines and reduced technical oversight. The study identifies six key lessons: (1) early inclusion of local craftspeople, (2) adaptive reuse of salvageable materials, (3) hybrid governance structures bridging state and community, (4) documentation of intangible knowledge, (5) flexible funding mechanisms, and (6) long-term maintenance planning. These findings challenge top-down reconstruction models and support integrating vernacular heritage into resilience frameworks. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy and practice, emphasizing that community-led preservation can enhance both cultural sustainability and disaster resilience when supported by appropriate institutional frameworks.
Keywords
community-led heritage, vernacular heritage, post-disaster reconstruction, Southeast Asia, participatory approaches, resilience, cultural sustainability, local knowledge