Strengthened Collaboration Among the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bappenas, and BNPB to Enhance Disaster Mitigation Efforts in Eastern Indonesia

Indonesia, an extraordinary archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands that stretch from Sabang to Merauke, stands at a critical confluence of two continents—Asia and Australia—alongside two significant oceans—the Indian and the Pacific. This unique geographical positioning enriches the nation with remarkable beauty while presenting a range of developmental challenges, particularly concerning the risk of natural disasters.

As a country situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia unfortunately faces a range of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, and forest fires. These events underscore the vital need for robust disaster management strategies that safeguard communities and support sustainable development objectives.

The World Risk Index (WRI) for 2024 positions Indonesia as the second-highest nation at risk of natural disasters globally, following the Philippines. This index evaluates disaster risk through an analysis of hazard levels, exposure rates, and community resilience. In light of these findings, it is evident that effective disaster management necessitates collaborative efforts across multiple sectors to enable a coordinated response and recovery.

Recent insights from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) indicate that Indonesia anticipates an extraordinary 3,719 natural disaster incidents in 2024. This statistic underscores the pressing need for innovative strategies intended to adapt to and mitigate the impact of such occurrences.

During a recent coaching clinic focused on local governments in Eastern Indonesia, the Deputy for Systems and Strategy of BNPB, Raditya Jati, shared insights regarding the proactive initiatives of the Indonesian government. The Disaster Management Master Plan (RIPB) for 2020-2044 has been developed to guide efforts, outlining three strategic missions that emphasises the importance of inclusive and professional governance in disaster management.

“With an estimated 3,472 disaster events projected for 2024—averaging approximately 10 each day—many of which will be exacerbated by climate change,” Raditya said during the event held in Makassar. The clinic was designed to empower local governments by refining strategies for managing disaster affairs, ensuring alignment with local planning frameworks.

Disaster Management for Sustainable Development

This collaborative initiative brought together representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Management Agency, Bappenas, and the Regional Disaster Management Agency from 17 provinces, including 24 districts and cities within South Sulawesi Province. Their united efforts illustrate a shared commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness in Eastern Indonesia, fostering resilience, and prioritising the safety of communities.

“Through this harmonious collaboration, we can collectively address challenges and strive towards a safer, more resilient Indonesia for the benefit of all its citizens.” Raditya added.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Deputy for Regional Development of the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Medrilzam, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Bappenas, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Regional Governments across Indonesia. This aims to facilitate critical discussions in consultation forums that align the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) with the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) for the 2025-2029 period.

He also highlighted the urgent need for effective disaster management policies, particularly in light of the projected economic losses of Rp 281.9 trillion in 2024 due to climate change, further stressing the importance of integration of climate adaptation and disaster risks within national and regional development strategies.

Medrilzam expressed his appreciation for the coaching clinic as an important opportunity to deepen understanding and share best practices. By aligning strategies, the clinic aims to integrate disaster management into regional planning documents, ultimately strengthening preparedness and mitigation efforts across various regions.

The New Initative to Accelerate MSS Implementation

During the event, the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced an innovative initiative to improve the implementation of SPM Sub-affairs related to disaster management through the establishment of Disaster Resilient Districts, known as KENCANA. This initiative aims to empower local communities by customising resources and capacities according to the specific disaster risks faced by each sub-district.

The Director of Disaster and Fire Management at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Edy Suharmanto, emphasised the necessity of engaging sub-districts to address disaster sub-affairs promptly. This collaborative approach seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, enabling a more effective response to challenges.

The Australian Government is supporting the coaching clinic through the SIAP SIAGA Program, marking a strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia in Disaster Risk Management. Todd Dias, the Australian Consul-General in Makassar, highlighted that the coaching clinic presents a strategic opportunity to empower local governments by enhancing their capacity to harmonise disaster management strategies. Todd added that this initiative not only aims to bolster the nation’s resilience in the face of potential disasters but also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing. He is hopeful that the dissemination of best practices will generate a ripple effect that benefits other provinces in Eastern Indonesia, establishing a stronger and more coordinated approach to future challenges in disaster management.