TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The information about potential earthquakes and tsunami in southern Java issued by Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stirred public unrest. To dismiss those public unrest, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) then planned to hold an expedition of disaster-resilient villages (Destana).

The expedition was scheduled to start on July 24-29, 2019, in four areas namely Songbanyu Village, Saden Beach in Gunungkidul, Kemadang Village and Poncosari Village, Kuwaru Beach in Bantul, and Bugel Village in Kulon Progo.

The expedition agenda will include public dissemination on disaster mitigation, strengthening the capacity of village apparatus, and the assessment of village resilience. Art performances, sports, and film screenings about disaster accompanied by experts will also enliven the event.

Yogyakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) acting head, Biwara Yuswantana, explained the Destana is also established to boost the community welfare and resilience in facing tsunami threat.

“This proves that the government presents in disaster-prone villages,” said Biwara, Tuesday, July 23.

The expedition will involve 80 people from the central team, 75 people from provincial team and 45 people from district team. The background of volunteers varies from academician, entrepreneurs, government officials, and volunteers from communities and institutions.

As of date, eight Destana have been established in Bantul, ten in Kulon Progo, and eleven in Gunungkidul. “So the villages have a capacity to respond to a disaster, such as earthquake and tsunami,” he added.

PRIBADI WICAKSONO