BNPB Likens Indonesia to Laboratory of Disaster

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head Ganip Warsito said Indonesia with its various disaster potentials deserves to be called a laboratory of disaster, instead of a supermarket of disaster.

“We (Indonesia) are often called a supermarket of disaster. This title may not be precise. Indonesia is more worthy of being called a laboratory of disaster, so it is mandatory to study it (potential disasters) to prepare anticipatory and preventive measures,” said Ganip in Ambon, Wednesday, October 20.

According to the BNPB head, all potential disasters exist in Indonesia, ranging from hydrometeorological, volcanological, geological, social disasters to non-natural disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These various potential disasters must be studied to prepare good mitigation and preparedness measures.

Ganip made the statement during a public lecture before students of the Ambon State Islamic Institute (IAIN), Maluku, last Tuesday, as part of the agenda to commemorate the Month of Disaster Risk Reduction (PRB) in October.

According to him, disaster risk reduction is a fundamental investment to minimize the impact of potential disaster threats in the country. The investment includes structural, cultural, human resources (HR), science and technology, as well as finance investments.

The BNPB Chief further called on the campus to optimize the role of universities in disaster management, especially in the aspect of prevention and preparedness.

Read: BNPB Head Visits Affected Areas of Bali Eearthquake

ANTARA