Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of DPR RI, Abdul Wachid, stated that the current Disaster Mitigation Law does not adequately support BNPB in implementing comprehensive disaster mitigation.
"If referring to the Law Number 23 of 2007, BNPB cannot carry out comprehensive disaster mitigation," he explained on Wednesday.
Earlier, Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Marwan Dasopang, highlighted that one of the main points in the revision was related to strengthening the span of command between BNPB and the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).
Currently, the BPBD reports to the governor, mayor, or district head. In the proposed revision idea, the BNPB can have a broader role in directly coordinating with BPBD, including appointing the head of BPBD with the best competence in disaster mitigation.
Meanwhile, another Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Singgih Januratmoko, stated that the revision also seeks to address overlapping tasks and functions between the Ministry of Social Affairs and BNPB.
"We should have certainty about the duties and functions of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the BNPB," he remarked.
Earlier, BNPB Head Suharyanto responded positively to the proposed revision of Law Number 24 of 2007, which is considered important as a basis for accelerating emergency response decision-making when a disaster occurs.
"However, no regulation is perfect. There must be improvements. It needs to be adjusted to existing developments and challenges. The target is to start the discussion on the proposal this year," he stated.
According to the head, this revision aims to enhance the effectiveness of disaster mitigation at the regional level.
Suharyanto also stressed the importance of enhancing BPBD's quick response capabilities in disaster mitigation, which requires improvement, especially since not all regions have sufficient budget for mitigating disasters and handling their impact.
"If a disaster occurs, BNPB requires a team to be deployed in 48 hours to assist. This should become a standard for the affected community to be immediately assisted," he noted.
Related news: Agency to intensify coordination after 835 disasters until April 2023
Related news: Government should augment task force's role in handling COVID-19: DPR
Translator: Tri Meilani A, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
