The Ministry of Home Affairs: KENCANA Enhances Disaster Management in the Region

According to Indonesia’s 2024 Disaster Risk Index (IRB), East Kalimantan Province has an IRB score of 136.11, categorising it as a medium-risk area. In comparison, North Penajam Paser District, which consists of four sub-districts and 30 villages, has a slightly lower score of 131.81, also placing it in the medium-risk category. The extensive area and complex geography make several villages and sub-districts particularly vulnerable to disasters, underscoring the need for systematic approaches and enhanced capacity at the sub-district level.

One strategy implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) to address these challenges is the initiative to establish Disaster Resilient Districts (KENCANA) across various provinces, including East Kalimantan. This initiative aims to expedite the implementation of Minimum Service Standards (MSS) for Disaster Sub-Affairs for the entire population, providing a promising solution to current disaster management issues.

“Law Number 23 of 2014 regarding Regional Government mandates that disaster management is a mandatory task for local governments, which must adhere to Minimum Service Standards in its implementation. KENCANA is designed to assist sub-districts in adopting methods that support the swift realisation of SPM for Sub-Disaster Affairs, tailored to the unique dynamics, risk characteristics, and capabilities of each area,” stated Safrizal ZA, the Director General of Regional Administration Development of the Ministry of Home Affairs, during the Declaration of Disaster Resilient Districts in North Penajam Regency, East Kalimantan. The event was attended by representatives from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) across all Kalimantan provinces.

Safrizal further emphasised the critical role of sub-districts in the KENCANA initiative, noting that their involvement will significantly improve disaster management execution in local areas. Empowering sub-districts is crucial for enhancing service quality and reducing local government response times.

During the same event, Raditya Jati, BNPB’s Deputy for Systems and Strategy, noted that many regions continue to face challenges in implementing the Minimum Service Standards (SPM). These challenges include a lack of commitment from regional leaders, insufficient funding for SPM activities in Disaster Sub-Affairs, and ineffective use of the Regional Development Planning Information System, all of which hinder effective disaster management execution.

“BNPB is supporting the provincial efforts in disaster management by developing guidelines for the implementation and technical supervision of the Sub-Disaster Affairs MSS. This includes a collaborative approach with non-governmental organisations and development partners to facilitate effective budgeting for MSS implementation and to foster the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks,” said Raditya.

Four Recommendations to Build Resilience

Meanwhile, Dody Virgo Sinaga, the Director of Spatial Planning, Urban Development, Defence, and Disaster Management at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), emphasised that the KENCANA program is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing regional capacity building in disaster management. However, he also acknowledged that the implementation of the KENCANA program encounters specific challenges, notably the constraints on human resource capacity within the field of disaster management.

“To fully unlock the potential of KENCANA in bolstering disaster resilience at the regional level, Bappenas has put forth four strategic recommendations. Firstly, it is crucial to prioritise the enhancement of understanding and capacity among sub-district heads and their staff, enabling them to integrate disaster management policies into their daily operational frameworks effectively,” stated Dody.

The second recommendation emphasises the need to optimise the allocation of the budget and available resources. Efficient use of funds will ensure that crucial sub-activities, such as preparedness drills, are conducted effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, Bappenas encourages the exploration of innovative financing opportunities through collaborative partnerships with the private sector and local communities. This includes the strategic use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to advance disaster mitigation initiatives. Furthermore, fostering synergy and collaboration among regional institutions is considered critical for enhancing overall regional capacity, thereby contributing to Indonesia’s resilience against future disasters.

Lucy Dickinson, Team Leader of the SIAP SIAGA Program, expressed her appreciation to the National Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bappenas, and local governments for the effective collaboration among the National Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bappenas, and local governments. This collaborative effort will further facilitate the advancement of MSS at the provincial level through the KENCANA initiative.

The SIAP SIAGA program is a partnership between the Australian Government and the Government of Indonesia aimed at improving the quality of community services in disaster management. “SIAP SIAGA Program not only focused on the national levels but also provided support to local governments in specific provinces, including East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and other outreach provinces,” Lucy concluded.