SEMARANG CITY (May 1, 2024) - "Where there is a disaster, there is Mas Alip", a phrase to describe the dedication and devotion of Tagana named Alip Budiarto from Semarang City. Alip Budiarto is a physically disabled person who has joined the Disaster Response Volunteer (Tagana) of Semarang City since 2017.
"At first I didn't know what Tagana was, and what Tagana did. I was even afraid at first. But after being invited by a friend to join Tagana, I tried to join. After that, I was trained in post-management, public kitchen management, etc. From there I just learned about Tagana," Alip said.
Despite his physical limitations, he always goes to the field when a disaster occurs in his area. For him, being able to help others who are in trouble is a matter of pride. "Since becoming Tagana member, I have handled several disasters in Semarang City, especially floods and landslides. With my limited physical condition, all I can do is help in the public kitchen such as cutting chilies, garlic, onion, and so on," said Alip.
Erwinda, Alip's colleague and head of Tagana Semarang City, said he was proud of Alip's agility when dealing with disasters. According to him, Alip is a figure who is always present and plays a real role in every disaster management, despite his limited physical condition. "His determination, enthusiasm, and dedication deserve to be an example for anyone. As Chairman of Tagana Semarang City, I respect and am proud of Mas Alip," he said.
For his extraordinary dedication to disaster management, in 2022 Alip received an award from the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini.