Example of the 2004 Aceh Tsunami, PDIP Emphasizes the Importance of Local Wisdom in Facing Disaster

The Chairperson of the PDI Perjuangan DPP for Disaster Management, Tri Rismaharini, was a speaker at the Disaster Mitigation and Victim Assistance Seminar, in Jakarta, Friday (19/12/2025). ANTARA/Fianda Sjofjan Rassat

JAKARTA - The Chairperson of the PDI Perjuangan DPP for Disaster Management, Tri Rismaharini, emphasized the importance of learning from local wisdom in seeing and facing potential disasters.

Risma then gave an example of the application of local wisdom during the 2004 Aceh tsunami in the Simeulue area.

"Why are there fewer victims in Simeulue? Because they have local wisdom when disasters occur, then there is an earthquake. They run to high places. So when the Aceh tsunami, there were very few victims," said Risma when speaking at the Disaster Mitigation and Victim Assistance Seminar in Jakarta, Friday, quoted by Antara.

He continued his story while visiting and providing assistance to flood and landslide victims in the West Sumatra region, recently.

Risma told the story of meeting an old figure who said he had given early warning of the signs at that time.

"So we have to listen to it. Well he said, why do you know that there will be a flood? I asked that way. Oh it's easy, when the water starts to rain, we smell it, it smells different, what it smells like. It's like the soil is uprooted, so the soil is like the one that just came out," said Risma.

"Oh, does it smell, sir? There is a woman, if there are many, if there is one, it does not smell, if there are many, it smells. So that's why we announced to the residents that they had to find a shelter. And thank God in that area, it was the least number of victims, even though the conditions were also the most severe," continued Risma explaining her conversation with the old man.

"This is not a matter of who has what education, but how we can hear about how we can save ourselves, our families, and save the people around us," said the former Mayor of Surabaya.

Almost all regions in Indonesia are not immune from disasters. Therefore, what is important is that even though you live in a disaster-prone area, you can survive so that the lessons from local wisdom in every region affected by disasters should be a concern.

"Therefore, then why did we initiate this program to understand. Especially if we know that our place is prone to disasters, what do we do tomorrow? I'll go to America, that's right? No right?," said Risma.

Not to forget, Risma also touched on the experience from Mentawai Island, the level of difficulty in the archipelago was said to be so real.

"I've experienced that. So, when the disaster happened, when I sent aid to Mentawai, it was how heavy the waves were because the waves were high we couldn't land. The ship couldn't land. I even used a fishing boat," he said.

"I'm worried that their food stocks will run out. I dare to use a boat, a boat, even though I'm a little drunk, I'm drunk, but I'm safe," said Risma.

Risma asked all parties to reflect on how to handle disasters in island countries and when food supplies on an island are exhausted.

He also reminded that there is no one better than the other. We learn from anyone and we can learn from anywhere.

"Therefore, we want us all to understand because when a disaster occurs, it may be around us. Well, when it happens, we can help, maybe save ourselves, save others, and save our brothers and sisters around us," he said.