Minister Of Tourism And Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno: Education And Literacy Need To Be Improved To Face Disasters

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Uno (Photo: M Ifdhal/Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno stated that education and literacy on disasters must continue to be improved so that people are ready to face disasters.

"Disaster mitigation is not only supported by technology, but must also be accompanied by increased awareness of disasters against disasters," said Sandiaga Uno in Banda Aceh, reported by Antara, Sunday, December 26.

The statement was delivered virtually on the 17th anniversary of the Aceh tsunami which was centered on the parking lot of Ulee Lheue Port, Banda Aceh which was also attended by Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, MPR Deputy Chair Ahmad Muzani, DPR Member Fadhlullah, TA Khalid, Deputy Komut Indonesian Islamic Bank (BSI) Dr. TGB Muhammad Zainul Majdi and elements of the Aceh Forkopimda.

He explained that the tsunami that hit Aceh at the end of 2004 also hit 14 other countries with a death toll of around 230 thousand people.

"The presence of technology, especially WTS, provides knowledge and time for the community to be ready to seek protection and minimize the impact of disasters," he said.

According to him, disaster preparedness efforts must be built together so that the community can be prepared for disasters and be resilient to disasters.

"I invite all parties together to campaign for the community to be aware of disasters," he said.

He also hopes that in the midst of natural and non-natural disasters, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, let's together increase the spirit of solidarity and collaboration together to increase literacy and education towards disasters so that a disaster prepared and resilient community will be formed.

The Aceh tsunami warning activity which was centered in Ulee Lheue was also coupled with prayer and remembrance led by Ustadz Zamhuri Ramli and lecturer Ustadz Faizal Adriansyah.

The activities included a pilgrimage to the graves, donations to orphans, a tsunami photo exhibition, awards for the caretakers and nurses of the tsunami site, and collaborative performances.