Institutional capacity, organizational performance and multi-stakeholder collaboration in local disaster risk reduction: evidence from West Sumatra, Indonesia

Introduction Local disaster risk reduction (DRR) depends on subnational governments' institutional capacity, yet prior research has seldom explained how different capacity dimensions are converted into measurable DRR performance through distinct internal and cross-boundary mechanisms. Addressing this theoretical and empirical gap, this study develops and tests an integrative capacity–process–network model of local DRR performance, drawing on institutional capacity, open systems, and collaborative governance perspectives. Methods The study used PLS-SEM with survey data from 311 DRR actors in high-risk jurisdictions in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It examined direct, mediating, and moderating relationships among human resource capacity, structure and governance, technology and innovation, organizational performance, multi-stakeholder collaboration, political and budgetary support, and DRR performance. Results The results show that all three capacity dimensions positively affect organizational performance, collaboration, and DRR performance. Organizational performance and multi-stakeholder collaboration partially mediate the capacity–performance relationship, with technology and innovation exerting its strongest indirect effect through collaboration. Political and budgetary support does not significantly moderate the organizational performance–DRR performance link. Discussion The study demonstrates that local DRR performance is shaped less by institutional capacity as a stand-alone asset than by its conversion into organizational routines and sustained collaborative action. Policy efforts should therefore prioritize DRR workforce capability, clear operating routines, interoperable warning systems, routine joint exercises, and protected collaboration platforms.