Anticipating Rainy Season Disasters, Public Works Prepare PPB Task Force In The Field

The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has alerted a Disaster Management Task Force (PPB Task Force) (Between/PU Ministry)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has alerted the Disaster Management Task Force (Satgas PPB).

This step was taken as an effort to anticipate the peak of the rainy season and the readiness of the national toll road and road infrastructure during the Christmas and New Year 2024/2025 period.

"This condition can have an impact on the infrastructure we manage and ultimately have an impact on the continuity of community activities. Therefore, I instruct all levels of the Ministry of Public Works to be prepared to deal with this situation," said PU Minister Dody Hanggodo in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

Based on the Climate Outlook2025 published by BMKG, high rainfall is predicted to occur more frequently in Indonesia by the end of 2024 and early 2025 which has the potential to cause floods and landslides.

The PPB Task Force of the Ministry of Public Works in the implementing unit (large equipment/baliber) according to the Minister of Public Works Decree number 1176/2019 consists of 37 centers at the Directorate General of Water Resources, 33 technical implementing units at the Directorate General of Highways, and 34 technical implementing units at the Directorate General of Human Settlements together with all rapid reaction teams at each hall.

Dody instructed all implementing units of the PPB Task Force to ensure the readiness of all water resource infrastructure, especially drainage channels, embankments, reservoirs, and sediment control in prime condition, by conducting thorough inspection and repair.

It is also necessary to facilitate traffic flow at Christmas and New Year's 2024/2025 to close road holes, repair road shoulders, clean drainage and add traffic signs.

"Use technology to map and monitor disaster-prone areas, so that we can respond more quickly and accurately. Strengthen the internal coordination of the Ministry of Public Works and cooperate with relevant agencies such as BNPB, BPBD, BMKG, Ministry of Transportation, Polri, TNI AD and local governments so that we can all work in harmony," said Dody.

In addition, the availability and readiness of logistics and resources such as equipment and emergency materials (heavy equipment, evacuation vehicles, toilet cars, water tanks), emergency posts, and Disaster Relief Unit (DRU) equipment to be ready for use at any time.

Dody also asked for the readiness of all human resources to always be trained and ready for emergency handling, especially in disaster-risk areas. Socialization is also carried out to the public regarding information on steps that must be taken by the community when a disaster occurs, especially in disaster-prone areas.

"I believe with solid commitment and cooperation, we can ensure that all infrastructure is in an optimal condition to face the peak of the rainy season and support traffic flow during the Christmas and New Year 2024/2025 periods. Public safety is our shared responsibility," he said.