Jokowi's Message To BMKG: Increase Disaster Management Capacity

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo asked the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to increase the capacity of disaster management and adaptation management to increase the nation's resilience in dealing with disasters.

"Increase the capacity of disaster management and adaptation, especially at the regional level," the President said in his virtual remarks at the 2021 BMKG National Coordination Meeting which was watched on the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube channel in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Thursday, July 29.

The President said that sub-districts/villages to provinces must have a clear disaster management management design, which involves the government, private sector and the community since the pre-disaster, emergency response and post-disaster phases.

"This management also needs to be simulated and trained so that when a disaster occurs we are very prepared and work quickly," said the President.

The Head of State also asked for continuous education to the community, especially people in disaster-prone areas. According to the President, the community's preparedness and resilience to the threat of disasters need to be continuously improved. Alertness must be institutionalized in people's daily lives.

"Also take advantage of local wisdom to strengthen community resilience to disasters. Therefore, I ask BMKG not only to convey information on climate, earthquakes and tsunamis that are faster, and have a wider range, but also work together with BNPB to educate the public on how to prepare for disasters," he said.

In addition, the Head of State also asked for education in finding and utilizing correct disaster information provided by official sources so that it is not easy to get caught up in rumors and fake news.