North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang made the statement in the presence of Vice President Boediono at the Asean Regional Forum - Disaster Relief Exercise (ARF-Direx) or international joint disaster management exercise here Tuesday.
The governor said North Sulawesi province lay on three tectonic plates, namely the Indo-Australian, Eurasian and Pacific plates.
In addition, there were six faults in the terrestrial plates, namely the Gorontalo, Bitung, Amurang, Manado, Palu and Sorong faults.
To anticipate the impact of geological hazards, the local administration had always familiarized the population about the potential threat of disaster and the mitigation and anticipatory measures that need to be taken.
The ARF Direx participated in by 20 countries, was a momentum to familiarize the people about and train them in ways to anticipate and deal with natural disasters.
The international event was categorized as a system testing and training measures for the stakeholders which are directly involved in handling the response.
"In addition, it is as a form of cooperation between countries in ASEAN and other countries to take action when disaster happens," the governor said.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the civil-military training between ASEAN countries and other countries is a form of cooperation to strengthen multilateral ties in the field of disaster management.
The natural disasters that frequently happen in Indonesia and the one that occurred in Japan recently, opened the world community`s hearts about the proper and optimal mitigation measures, so that the people can be actually handled properly.
ARF Direx is also being attended by Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Makiko Kikuta, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Communications and Informatics Minister Tifatul Sembiring.
Also present were Administrative Reforms Minister Mangindaan EE, Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, Social Affairs Minister Salim Al-Juffri Segaff, the National Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono and National Police Chief Timur Pradopo.
National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Chief Syamsul Maarif and Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kojiro Siojiri were also seen attending the event.
(T.KR-LWA/HAJM/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
