Strengthening Disaster Resilience Through the Garda SIAGA Policy Bootcamp


The Garda SIAGA Policy Bootcamp provided participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to create more resilient and inclusive disaster policies. By fostering collaboration and sharing innovative practices, the event empowered stakeholders to take meaningful steps toward strengthening disaster resilience in their regions.

From 2–5 December 2024, the Garda SIAGA Policy Bootcamp brought together 26 participants from various sectors to strengthen disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) policies. Held at Hotel Vertu Harmoni in Jakarta, the event united representatives from national and local government agencies (BNPB, Bappenas, BPBD), NGOs, academia, media, and local think tanks from four provinces: East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The four-day bootcamp was designed to foster collaboration across sectors and improve policy integration for disaster resilience. It featured three main activities: Expert Discussions, Peer Learning Sessions, and Action Planning. Here’s a closer look at what happened:

Expert Discussions: Learning from Thought Leaders

The event opened with remarks from key figures, including:

  • Catherine Meehan (First Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs, Australian Embassy)
  • Pratomo Cahyo Nugroho, M.T. (Disaster Analyst, BNPB)
  • Lucy Dickinson (Team Leader, SIAP SIAGA)
  • Andhyta Firselly Utami (Founder and CEO, Think Policy)

Technical sessions featured a stellar lineup of experts:

  • Professor Juliet Willetts (University of Technology Sydney) shared insights on integrating DRM and CCA into sustainable development goals.
  • Rusmanto (Planner, Bappenas) highlighted the transition from reactive to preventive disaster management.
  • Jeong Park (Australia Pacific Climate Partnership) explored the role of community-driven resilience.
  • Dr. Raditya Jati (BNPB) discussed strategies for building long-term disaster resilience.
  • Assoc. Professor Connie Susilawati (Queensland University of Technology) and Lutri Huriyani (SIAP SIAGA Gender Specialist) focused on gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in disaster policies.
  • Maulinna Utaminingsih (Plan Indonesia) shared insights on urban disaster resilience.

Participants also engaged with local case studies from East Java, Bali, NTB and NTT, exploring practical ways to apply these insights in their regions.

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Peer Learning: Sharing Experiences and Solutions

The second part of the bootcamp centred on interactive peer learning. Facilitators introduced tools like “The Speed Car & Abyss” and “The Superhero,” which helped participants evaluate barriers and opportunities in their DRM efforts. Sessions were led by:

  • Prasetya Dwicahya (Co-Founder, Think Policy)
  • Muhammad Syathiri (Disaster Management Specialist, SIAP SIAGA)
  • Wini Rizkiningayu (Rocky Mountain Institute)
  • Risa Yudhiana (GEDSI Adviser, SIAP SIAGA)

These activities encouraged participants to share experiences and identify collaborative strategies to overcome challenges in their respective regions.

Action Planning: Turning Knowledge into Practice

The final sessions focused on creating actionable plans to enhance disaster resilience. Facilitated by Hanna Vanya (Think Policy Academy Lead), participants developed individual and group plans tailored to their local contexts. These plans addressed policy gaps, promoted community-centred approaches, and prioritised vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, and indigenous communities.

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Key Takeaways

The bootcamp highlighted several important lessons:

  1. Policy Integration: Aligning DRM and CCA efforts with national and local regulations, such as RPJMN and RPJMD, is critical.
  2. Capacity Building: Local leaders need training and support to draft and implement effective DRM policies.
  3. Collaboration: Strong partnerships between government, NGOs, academia, the private sector, and media are vital for disaster preparedness and response.
  4. Innovative Practices: NTB’s disaster information system and Bali’s media-based communication strategies are replicable models for other regions.
  5. Community-Centred Approaches: Inclusive planning that involves vulnerable groups ensures policies are equitable and effective.
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Building a Resilient Future

The Garda SIAGA Policy Bootcamp provided participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to create more resilient and inclusive disaster policies. By fostering collaboration and sharing innovative practices, the event empowered stakeholders to take meaningful steps toward strengthening disaster resilience in their regions.

Read the full report here.

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