"The most important thing in preparedness is education, such as using the early warning system," he said in Semarang on Wednesday.
Pranowo opined that the public must understand if the disaster is caused by nature, thus humans must live alongside nature and the surrounding environment in harmony.
"Concern for nature must be instilled in the public so they care more, for example, by preventing (natural disasters) through education and training," he elaborated.
All stakeholders can also be involved in the effort to educate the public because they have various methods to convey information to everyone, he said. It is also possible for disaster-responsive villages to be created in areas that are prone to disasters in Central Java, he added.
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Local wisdom pertaining to disaster mitigation has existed among the Central Java people since a long time ago, the governor said.
"As local wisdom, actually we already have a disaster mitigation method, the name is 'titen' knowledge. Such as when animals descend from the mountains, the people are ready for a volcanic eruption. If the doors and windows of the house cannot be opened or closed, it means there is an earthquake. Even in Pemalang, if an earthquake occurs, people will stick rice pounders or 'alu janda' in the four corners of the village so that the earthquake stops," he elaborated.
Acting head of the Central Java Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, Safrudin, said that the agency has recorded all disaster response personnel in Central Java.
"The total number of personnel is 9,631 people with various disaster skills respectively, and the equipment is also ready; everyone is on 'standby' in the regions. Friends from the district/city Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency have also held meetings to standby, including preparing human resources and others. Logistics is also ensured," he informed.
Not only floods and landslides, but this year's rainy season may also trigger flash floods in Central Java, he added.
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Translator: Wisnu Adhi N, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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