We live in a Ring of Fire or a disaster-prone regionBadung, Bali (ANTARA) - Mass media is playing a role in raising public awareness and contributing to efforts to reduce disaster risk, Public Information and Communication Director General at the Communication and Informatics Ministry Usman Kansong has said.
While carrying out its duty, mass media is expected not to cause panic, but carry out dissemination efforts so that the entire community is ready to face disasters, he added.
"We live in a Ring of Fire or a disaster-prone region. Hence, we must be ready to face disasters," he remarked during a media briefing here on Thursday.
The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), scheduled to be held in Nusa Dua, Bali from May 23–28, 2022, can serve as a starting point for various stakeholders to carry out risk reduction efforts, he said.
Within the context of this activity, the media can also play a role in raising public awareness and preparing people to face disasters, he added.
According to Kansong, the role of media is very important for building collaboration for disaster mitigation, specifically in conveying proportional information related to the international event.
"We expect that the people receive the widest information access as possible so that all parties can receive understanding and knowledge of risk reduction efforts," he said.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Staff Office's (KSP's) main expert staff Widiarsi Agustina said that GPDRR is not just a ceremonial activity, but represents the spirit of resilience.
She told journalists attending the event that they have the job of serving humanity.
Agustina urged the public to initiate a social movement to raise awareness so that there is a change in people’s behavior.
Indonesia has a foundation in the form of mutual assistance or other local wisdom that each region possesses, she said.
"There are many stories or practices in Indonesia that can be promoted and disseminated to the people, both domestic and abroad," she added.
For instance, in Bali, the communication radio community Pasebaya is playing a role in educating residents living on the slope of Mount Agung in Karangasem, she highlighted.
It is also cooperating with business and educational institutions in Tanjung Benoa for preparing people against the threat of a tsunami, she added.
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Translator: Naufal Fikri Y, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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