TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia, through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding on disaster mitigation.

“Switzerland is one of the important international partners for Indonesia in various sectors and is now our partner in disaster mitigation,” said the BNPB head Doni Monardo in a written statement on Tuesday, July 21.

He explained the partnership would include research activities, information sharing, and provision of assistance. The implementation would also cover all stages of disaster management.

According to Doni, the cooperation was vital since Switzerland is known for its leading development on medical and pharmaceutical technology, especially in handling non-natural disasters as currently occurring, the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the bilateral ties would also include matters related to geological and hydrometeorological disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, tornadoes, and landslides.

Swiss Ambassador Kurt Kunz said that his country collaborated with Southeast Asia’s AHA Center as well. He said that the diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Indonesia have been going on for a long time in various fields.

The bilateral partnership reportedly would last for 5 years and could be extended under both parties' diplomatic agreements.

Read: BNPB's Budget Drops Despite Rising Disaster Trend: Doni Monardo

FRISKI RIANA