The "Socialization and Workshop on the Implementation of the Community-Based Disaster Early Warning System" was held in Pasauran village, Serang district, Banten, from May 23 to 25, 2023.
In a statement received on Friday, BNPB's deputy for prevention, Prasinta Dewi, said that disaster early warning systems can work well if people are able to understand and incorporate early warning information into responsive and anticipatory steps.
"However, it is even better if the central government, regional governments, and disaster-related stakeholders can work together and build a joint commitment to deal with potential disasters," she said.
She informed that the activity was carried out in Pasauran because the village faces a high threat from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Dewi said that the community response strengthening program is a concrete form of implementing BNPB Regulation Number 4 of 2022 concerning the Implementation of Disaster Early Warning at BNPB and Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).
She also emphasized a directive issued by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the 2023 National Coordination Meeting on Disaster Mitigation.
The important anticipatory steps for the community are in the form of preparedness and early warning to reduce the number of victims and losses due to disasters, she said.
"The good practices involving cross-actor engagement, such as regional governments, local partners, and communities, like what we are doing, are the key to the sustainability of the disaster early warning system," she added.
The activities at the workshop aimed to help the community use local resources effectively.
Suhardah, a resident of Pasauran Village, recounted his experience when the tsunami occurred in 2018.
"Many people ran, screaming 'tsunami! tsunami!' I was confused about what to do, whether to help neighbors, secure property, or run to save myself," he explained.
Dewi said that in order to realize an effective disaster early warning system based on local wisdom, the workshop was held to develop various protocols, such as early warning protocols, hazard monitoring, early warning dissemination, and evacuation.
The protocols were formulated and mutually agreed upon by the workshop's participants, who would be designated as the disaster preparedness team (TSB).
It is hoped that the team will continue to educate and train local communities about the protocols through outreach and workshops, Dewi said.
Additionally, BPBD and regional disaster practitioners are expected to replicate similar activities in other potentially affected villages, she added.
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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari R, Resinta S
Editor: Anton Santoso
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