In Makassar, South Sulawesi, the impacts of climate change are no longer distant concerns but lived realities. Recurrent flooding continues to disrupt livelihoods, strain public services, and place vulnerable households at risk.
In late September 2025, something significant took place in four flood-prone urban villages in Makassar: Katimbang, Tamangapa, Paccerakkang, and Manggala. Community members, disaster response agencies, military representatives, and local government officials came together not to respond to an actual flood, but to prepare for one.
These comprehensive preparedness simulations marked a critical milestone in the Community Led Early Action and Resilience (CLEAR) Program, implemented by Yayasan Cita Wadah Swadaya (YCWS) in partnership with Yayasan INANTA and supported by Act for Peace Australia.
Launched in July 2023, CLEAR is a three-year initiative targeting communities most exposed to recurrent flooding. With 3,412 direct beneficiaries and approximately 34,245 indirect beneficiaries across four sub-districts, CLEAR goes beyond traditional disaster response.
It empowers communities to assess their own climate vulnerabilities, implement anticipatory actions before disasters strike, and access alternative livelihoods to reduce displacement risks.
The Three-Step Flood Simulations
The flood simulations followed a rigorous methodology proven to strengthen disaster readiness. First, groundwork. This means YCWS teams collaborated with communities and local governments to develop realistic flood scenarios, assign roles, and prepare equipment tailored to local contexts.
Second, execution. In this extent, participants activated early warning systems, evacuated residents to designated shelters, established emergency response posts, and delivered first aid and logistical support under conditions mirroring real emergencies.
Finally, evaluation which is refer to together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and village governments, teams assessed coordination effectiveness, identified gaps, and refined contingency plans to ensure vulnerable members, including persons with disabilities and diverse gender identities, received appropriate assistance.
Tangible Impact
The results were significant. Communities gained clearer understanding of evacuation routes and self-rescue measures. Meanwhile, coordination between village authorities and technical agencies strengthened significantly.
Beyond simulations, CLEAR has supported also the establishment and continued strengthening of Kampung Siaga Bencana (KSB) teams across four villages.
The program has also helped develop key disaster management documents, such as risk assessments, action plans, and contingency plans, aligned with village-level strategies for flood mitigation.
One of CLEAR’s key innovations is the piloting of Anticipatory Action, including early action protocols and fund-disbursement mechanisms that enable interventions before floods occur.
