The dynamics of coordination in humanitarian clusters in Indonesia: Evidence from the cash working group coordination system during the 2022 Cianjur earthquake

Abstract

Background: The increasing scale and complexity of disasters have intensified the need for effective coordination among multiple actors in humanitarian response systems. The growing use of cash-based assistance in Indonesia has introduced additional coordination challenges, particularly within the Humanitarian Cluster Coordination framework. While existing studies highlight issues such as fragmented coordination and unclear roles, how coordination dynamics are formed in practice has received limited attention. This study examine how coordination dynamics are shaped within the Cash Working Group (CWG) during the 2022 Cianjur earthquake response. The study's findings are expected to strengthen coordination, particularly in cash distribution during disaster emergency response. Methods: This qualitative case study was based on 26 interview sessions involving 29 participants: 14 representatives of government institutions at the national, district, and village levels and 15 representatives of NGOs, United Nations agencies, and other humanitarian organizations. The interviews were supplemented by document analysis.  Data were analyzed thematically and interpreted using a coordination framework focusing on accountability, predictability, and common understanding. Findings:  Three main findings emerged. First, the development of the CWG was shaped by both formal policy frameworks and cumulative learning across successive disaster responses. Second, during the Cianjur response, existing inter-organizational networks enabled rapid coordination, while response-specific routines, communication channels, and locally endorsed guidance developed progressively. Third, the multi-actor and multi-level structure of the CWG facilitated access to technical expertise and information but also generated persistent challenges in role clarity, alignment of priorities, and coordination across governance levels. Conclusion: Coordination in humanitarian cluster systems is adaptive and shaped by the interaction between formal structures and operational realities. The government should establish an operational protocol for CWG activation to improve coordination mechanism. For future research, it is recommended to investigate the CWG coordination in different type of disaster and to include the cash transfer’s beneficiaries as research informant. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides empirical insights into the dynamic and hybrid nature of coordination in cash assistance within disaster response context.