Commemorating its 16th Anniversary, Disaster Preparedness Cadets Fights COVID-19

JAKARTA (March 24th 2020) - In the midst of the Indonesian nation's efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana) have participated in carrying out actions to combat this virus in various parts of the region. Today, Tuesday (24/3) Tagana celebrates its 16th Birthday. Of course, the anniversary of this situation further strengthens Tagana's determination to help the government prevent its spread through various humanitarian activities.

"Tagana is proactively through the local social services agency to carry out real action campaigns to prevent the spread of the corona virus to remote villages, spray disinfectants in various public facilities, and be involved in the COVID-19 Task Force responsible for managing the Public Kitchen," said Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara in Jakarta, Tuesday.

Tagana, for the Minister of Social Affairs, has its own meaning. Since leading the Ministry of Social Affairs in October 2019 until now, this man who likes “blusukan” to various parts of the disaster area has seen Tagana's hard work in various areas as very real and has had its impact on the community.

"Tagana is a true volunteer who works selflessly," said the Minister of Social Affairs, appreciating Tagana's work for 16 years.

The Minister of Social Affairs revealed that he always monitors the social and humanitarian activities carried out by Tagana throughout Indonesia through the "Emergency Response" and "Tagana Indonesia" whatsapp groups. From the messaging application, every day he receives live and real-time reports from Tagana members in various regions in Indonesia. Not infrequently, he immediately gave comments and encouraged the volunteers on duty. The relationship between the Minister of Social Affairs and Tagana is like a father and his children who are close and warm.

He explained that since the discovery of COVID-19 sufferers in several areas in Indonesia, Tagana and other volunteer elements moved quickly by disseminating and educating residents, as well as spraying disinfectant liquid in houses of worship, schools, markets, social institutions, etc.

"I directly monitored the movements of Tagana volunteers in various regions in preventing the spread of this deadly virus and Tagana quickly made anticipatory efforts while still coordinating with various related parties," he said.

The Minister of Social Affairs gave an example of Tagana, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province which carried out the socialization of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), then Tagana Kotamobagu who conducted the Joint Patrol for the Prevention of the Spread of COVID-19, as well as the real action of Tagana, East Java Province, which sprayed disinfectants in 38 districts / cities in all regions. -East Java.

"Today is Tagana's 16th birthday, I have high hopes for Tagana's efforts to fight for humanity. Without you, the Minister of Social Affairs cannot do anything in times of disaster, especially now that we are fighting against COVID-19," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Tagana, for the Minister of Social Affairs, is the troop at the forefront of disaster management. He advised that while on duty to assist the government in preventing the spread of COVID-19 to always maintain health and prioritize safety.

"Use adequate personal protective equipment when in the field," ordered the father of two children.

Tagana is a humanitarian volunteer / social welfare worker who comes from elements of society. They are concerned and active in disaster management in the field of social protection.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Social Protection and Security, Pepen Nazarudin explained that Tagana has the ability and skills to rescue disaster victims, psychosocial, shelters, public kitchens, logistics, social advocacy, evacuation, social assistance, DVI, and communication.

"Currently, the number of Tagana personnel is more than 37 thousand people and is spread throughout Indonesia," said Pepen.

Over time, he continued, Tagana continues to grow until now, there are 63,140 Friends of TAGANA. They come from various professions including journalists, artists and art workers, community organizations, and so on.

Tagana is under the Ministry of Social Affairs and is responsible to the Minister of Social Affairs through the Director General of Social Protection and Security and the Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims. Tagana's position in the province is under the guidance of the provincial, district / city Social Services Agency.