West Sumatra Encouraged to Become a Reference Area for Disaster Management

West Sumatra is one of the most disaster-prone provinces, so mitigation efforts must continue to be improved.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Students, teachers, and education staff of SMP 1 Kota Padang participated in a simulation of self-evacuation during an earthquake, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, and tsunami as part of the peak commemoration of National Disaster Preparedness Day in Kota Padang, West Sumatra, on Friday (26/4/2024).

PADANG, KOMPAS — West Sumatra is one of the provinces in Indonesia which is very vulnerable to various potential disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis. This province on the west coast of Sumatra is also being encouraged to increase disaster mitigation efforts so that in the future it will become a reference for other regions.

This statement was made by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy at the peak of the commemoration of National Disaster Preparedness Day (HKBN) held by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in Padang, West Sumatra, Friday (26/4/2024).

"Hopefully West Sumatra can become a good example for other provinces in disaster preparedness and mitigation. If possible, West Sumatra can be a reference not only at the national level, but also at the international level," said Muhadjir.

Also read: Earthquake Surrounds Mentawai "Megathrust"

Muhadjir continued, in order to reach that level, many things need to be prepared by West Sumatra. The vigilance, resilience, and preparedness of the community must be maintained and continuously improved. Each district/city must also identify the types of disasters in their respective areas in detail and with sufficient data.

In addition, disaster facilities and infrastructure, such as tsunami shelters and early warning systems, must also be equipped. "I visited several locations in West Sumatra yesterday. The number of shelters in West Sumatra is far from sufficient. I also request that the addition of shelters be programmed through the National Disaster Management Agency," he said.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

The Head of BNPB, Lieutenant General Suharyanto, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Governor of West Sumatra Mahyeldi, and Mayor of Padang Hendri Septa (from left to right) pressed the siren button to mark the start of a disaster simulation in Indonesia simultaneously during the peak of the commemoration of National Disaster Preparedness Day in Padang, West Sumatra, on Friday (26/4/2024).

According to Muhadjir, West Sumatra is the most disaster-prone province nationally, ranked second after West Java. Almost all types of potential disasters are present in this province, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions.

Out of a total of 5,400 disaster incidents in Indonesia in 2023, according to Muhadjir, 10.18 percent occurred in West Sumatra. Meaning, last year, on average, 1.5 disaster incidents occurred in the province every day.

Also read: Deforestation Also Triggers Floods and Landslides in West Sumatra

Therefore, disaster mitigation efforts should be the concern of all parties, especially the provincial government, district/city government, TNI-Polri, and the community. Disaster prevention and management must be meticulously planned and well-organized.

"Disasters cannot be predicted when they will occur. Intensive and sustainable disaster simulations can reduce the risk of disasters, especially fatalities. One person's life is invaluable. Our gratitude is shown through preventing casualties during disasters," he said.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

The students of SMP 1 in Kota Padang participated in a self-evacuation simulation for an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 and a tsunami during the peak of the National Disaster Preparedness Day commemoration in Kota Padang, West Sumatra, on Friday (26/4/2024).

HKBN peak

The HKBN peak in 2024 will be followed by 30 regencies/cities in 17 provinces in Indonesia and its activities will be centered in the city of Padang. In this event, those areas will simultaneously conduct disaster simulation activities. Specifically in West Sumatra, the simulation will be related to the potential for an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Megathrust Mentawai.

In West Sumatra, disaster simulations were held in several locations, including in the Lolong Belanti area, Alai Market, schools in Padang City, schools with the Disaster-Safe Educational Unit category, PAUD under the guidance of Aisiyah, SMP 25 Padang, SMP 1 Padang, SLB Salsabilla, and Taqwa Mosque in Taratak Pariaman.

It is impossible to determine when a disaster will occur. Intensive and continuous simulation can reduce disaster risks, especially fatalities.

Head of BNPB Lieutenant General Suharyanto stated that the commemoration of HKBN has been held every April 26th since 2017. The selection of April 26th refers to the date of the issuance of Law No. 24 of 2007 concerning Disaster Management.

Suharyanto continued, HKBN's warning is expected to serve as a reminder to the community to always be vigilant and prepared for disaster risks. "We are all aware and agree that disasters will always happen. Before they occur, we must increase our resilience, readiness, and alertness," he said.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Head of BNPB Lt. Gen. Suharyanto explained the importance of disaster mitigation during the peak of the National Preparedness Day commemoration in Padang City, West Sumatra, on Friday (26/4/2024).

According to Suharyanto, West Sumatra is indeed an area that is very prone to various types of disasters. One of the disasters that experts are worried about and predicted is an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 that could potentially occur in Megathrust Mentawai. This prediction is not intended to scare, but rather to remind people to always be vigilant.

"The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture has found that the number of tsunami shelters in West Sumatra is still insufficient. We are coordinating with the local government. If the local government's funds are limited, the central government will help to build additional shelters," he said.

Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi, stated that out of 19 regencies/cities in West Sumatra, 7 regencies/cities are facing potential disaster risks of earthquakes and tsunamis. In improving preparedness, the local government has set the limit of the tsunami-prone zone or the tsunami hazard zone. If a tsunami occurs, horizontal evacuation must pass through that zone.

In addition, according to Mahyeldi, his party is also preparing several regulations to mitigate disasters, including those related to earthquake-resistant buildings. The tsunami early warning system is also being maximized and made more inclusive. "Regarding what Menko PMK requested earlier, hopefully we can implement it," he said.