
According to Hidayaturrohman, in the effort to form ULD, it is not only the fulfilment of the target that is important. The series of ULD formation processes involving opdis provide many lessons that will be very useful for other programs. "For us at BPBD, the process of forming ULD has brought extraordinary changes. We not only have an understanding of disabilities but also how to position them from being just objects of aid recipients to being part of policymakers. Previously, let alone involving them in planning, we didn't even have data on disability," he said.
Read MoreMeaningful Involvement of Persons with Disabilities to Promote Resilience
As a housewife dealing with the workload that comes with supporting children and a husband, Yeni said this training has given her important knowledge, providing her with a new insight into drought, which can severely disrupt family life – especially economically. ‘I learnt that we can reduce the impact of drought by exploring existing potential in the village. We learnt about threats, vulnerabilities, and capacity’, said Yeni.
Read MoreEmpowered Women Build Resilience in Tanah Putih Village
This remarkable work dynamic left Eka barely enough time to think about herself and her family. It was the humanitarian call that led her and other Sekber members to operate beyond their official duties. Fortunately, this yielded positive results. The data managed by Sekber became not only a reference for policies and information shared by the media but also the basis for monitoring and evaluating the aid they received.
Read MoreUpholding the Spirit of Volunteerism in West Nusa Tenggara
Efforts to manage this volunteer energy and role allocation are currently carried out in conjunction with the establishment of Disaster Resilient Villages (Destana) for administrative Villages and Disaster Resilient customary villages for customary villages. FPRB Bali, in collaboration with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) at the provincial and district levels, is trying to promote this with the support of the SIAP SIAGA Program.
Read MoreManaging the Volunteer Spirit of Balinese Residents
After the establishment of ULD-PB, Opdis’ role in disaster management has increased significantly. ‘ULD-PB can be seen as an instrument that will promote a change in the disaster management paradigm for people with disabilities. Previously, they were only seen as victims, if they were seen at all. Now, they can be actors in disaster-related affairs. Through ULD-PB, people with disabilities are expected to be able to reduce their own risk and even the risk of others.
Read MoreTransforming the Role of People with Disabilities in East Java
BNPB believes that these local actors have an important role in improving local resilience and disaster risk management. ‘They live there, and of course, they are well known by the people there, so they have the ability to mobilise the local community. Their words are more likely to be heard. Outsiders may not be able to do this. Local context is very important in building local resilience and managing disaster risk’, said Mr Papang.
Read MoreDocumenting Lessons for Local Disaster Resilience
Local actor involvement in disaster risk management is growing stronger with the commitment of the Government of Indonesia to the concept of Sustainable Resilience. Local actors living in areas prone to disaster possess the knowledge to enrich disaster risk management policy. Empowering them as the frontline in disaster management is a strategic step in disaster resilience, climate change adaptation and sustainable development.
Read MoreEmpowering Local Actors at The Frontline of Disaster Management
The stories recounted in the book are well-aligned with the HKB 2024 commemoration’s focus on coastal community resilience. The book imparts valuable insights for policymakers, specifically with regard to planning coastal area management and conservation programs.
Read MoreCoastal Communities Share Inspirations in Commemoration of Disaster Preparedness Day 2024