Improving Disaster Mitigation, Ministry of Social Affairs Strengthens Kebumen into a Disaster Preparedness Area

KEBUMEN (20 November 2019) - In an effort to maximize disaster mitigation, the government continues to socialize preparedness for communities living in disaster-prone areas. One of them is through the Disaster Preparedness Area (KSB) program launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Sakiyah (62), a resident of Buayan Subdistrict, feels grateful that his area is one of the locations chosen to launch the KSB.

"At 62 years of age, I can't imagine if my family becomes a victim of the disaster. Hopefully nothing will happen in our area. But, at least with this kind of training, I know where to go and do what to save my family in the event of a disaster," he said.

The same thing was conveyed by Selia, who was eight months pregnant, while watching the earthquake and tsunami disaster management simulation at the Apel inauguration of the Disaster Preparedness Area, Buayan District, Kebumen Regency in the Adiwarno Village field.

Kebumen Regency has a coastline of 52 km. Its coastline which is directly facing the Indian Ocean and passes through eight sub-districts makes it practically an area that has a high potential for tsunami disaster.

As one of the areas with the potential for megathrust, earthquakes and tsunamis always haunt this district.

"I, representing the Kebumen Regency Government, appreciate the Ministry of Social Affairs' concern for areas with relatively high potential for disaster," said the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Eko Widianto as the ceremony inspector.

Through the KSB, the participation of the Buayan community is required to increase in disaster risk management.

"Disaster risk management with a community-based approach, carrying the spirit of mutual cooperation, solidarity and local wisdom are the strengths of this KSB program," said Eko again.

Meanwhile, Sunati, Head of Sub Directorate for Social Recovery and Strengthening, Directorate of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA), Directorate General of Social Protection and Security, Ministry of Social Affairs said that disaster management must be carried out in an integrated, comprehensive, planned and organized manner.

"Through KSB, it is hoped that Kebumen Regency will be stronger in preparing itself to face disasters," he said.

The inauguration ceremony of the Buayan District KSB and the disaster management simulation which was held on Wednesday (20/11), was the culmination of the KSB formation activity in Kebumen Regency, which involved various elements of society from five villages and was combined with the implementation of the Tagana Entrance School (TMS) program spread across 12 schools.

The entire series of activities is carried out based on the mandate of the President, Joko Widodo on the importance of awareness and understanding of disasters that "Disasters cannot be avoided but victims can be minimized."

Full of Emotions and Tears

There was a touching moment just before the central committee said goodbye from Kebumen Regency. The togetherness that has occurred for the past three days has left a separate story after the inauguration and simulation of the Disaster Preparedness Area in Adiwarno District, Kebumen Regency.

Adiwarno Village Head, Wawan Rajiko, promised to continue to develop the KSB program in his village by allocating a separate budget each year, specifically for increasing human resources in disaster mitigation.

"Even if there is more budget, all members of the KSB Adiwarno need to be invited to see the Tagana Center in Sentul, because this is very useful for us too," said the Village Head who was greeted with applause and a description of the tears of emotion from the personnel of the KSB Adiwarno.