Natural Disasters Start Routinely 'Applying', Strengthen Early Warning Systems

The evacuation process for climbers died on Mount Marapi by a joint team (5/12). (BNPB dock photo)

JAKARTA - The government is urged to immediately perfect mitigation measures to deal with the threat of natural disasters, especially the early warning system to protect public safety.

"In dealing with potential natural disasters, it is very important to design and implement mitigation strategies to avoid casualties," said DPR RI Speaker Puan Maharani, Wednesday, December 6.

As previously reported, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra suddenly experienced an eruption on Sunday (3/12) afternoon which trapped 75 climbers. Head of the Padang City SAR Office, Abdul Malik, said that until the fourth day of the search, the joint team was still looking for one victim of the eruption of Mount Marapi who had not been found.

Abdul said that of the 74 victims, SAR Padang confirmed that 22 people were declared dead, and 52 victims were successfully evacuated safely.

The lack of an early warning system for natural disasters does not only occur in the eruption of Mount Marapi, but also flash floods and landslides in Simangulampe Village, Humbang Hasundutan Regency (Humbahas), North Sumatra (North Sumatra). As a result of the disaster, 12 people were reported missing.

Responding to natural disasters in various regions with the lack of an early warning system, Puan emphasized the importance of coordination between the central and regional governments in aligning data on potential natural disasters.

"The synergy between the local government and the central government must be of more concern in order to provide the latest information about potential disasters that can occur, in order to ensure a quick and appropriate response when there is a threat," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also emphasized the importance of increasing the capacity of related institutions in designing mitigation scenarios based on scientific research and field experience.

"The government must be able to read disaster patterns more precisely, so that the mitigation efforts taken can be more effective," said Puan.

It is also said that the DPR will continue to oversee the increase in mitigation and early warning system for natural disasters. Puan emphasized that the safety and security of the people is a priority for the council.

"Moreover, currently some areas have entered the rainy season, where the potential for disaster vulnerability rates is getting higher. The DPR appeals to regional heads whose areas have the potential to face natural disasters, to be prepared for disasters," he said.

"We cannot mess with the safety of citizens. The state must be present to provide protection for the people from every potential disaster. The government, in this case, must improve the early warning system in all regions to minimize the fall of victims," added Puan.

Puan also encouraged the TNI/Polri to increase cooperation with BNPB, BMKG, Basarnas, volunteer teams and other relevant stakeholders in the context of disaster preparedness in the rainy season. Especially, said Puan, for disaster-prone areas.

Especially for law enforcement officials, Puan reminded to increase supervision in order to avoid theft of equipment and disaster early warning infrastructure.

"For law enforcement officials, the security must be further improved to prevent the short circuit from being stolen, resulting in no warning to the public," said Puan.

Previously, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) conveyed that the detection equipment at the Marapi Volcano Monitoring Station (GGSL) had been stolen several times. This year alone, two monitoring equipment thefts have occurred at Guguak Solang Station.

On March 30, 2023, seismic footage from the monitoring station was cut off. Then the second incident occurred on September 25, 2023, where the effect was the same in the first case.