Banda Aceh (October 07, 2024) – National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), in collaboration with the University Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (FPT PRB), held a sharing session at Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) in Banda Aceh on the Role of Higher Education in Disaster Risk Reduction in Indonesia.
Prasinta Dewi, M.A.P, Directorate of Disaster Mitigation
Deputy for Prevention at BNPB, Prasinta Dewi, M.A.P, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in mitigating disaster impacts. “The role of universities in disaster risk reduction extends beyond research and education. They must act as agents of change. Grounded in science and technology and through cross-sector collaboration, we can lessen the risks and impacts of future disasters,” Prasinta stated on Monday (07/10/2024).
Prasinta appreciated the FPT PRB for its contributions to disaster risk reduction efforts. “On behalf of BNPB, I highly value the thematic forum like the FPT PRB, which brings together Disaster Study Centers from various Indonesian universities to contribute to more comprehensive disaster risk reduction efforts based on scientific knowledge to enhance community capacity,” she said.
Involvement of universities in disaster management reflects the essence of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education education and teaching, research and development, and community service.
This event is part of the 2024 Disaster Risk Reduction Month celebration, demonstrating a commitment to enhance the understanding and contribution of universities in disaster mitigation, especially given the increasingly complex disaster challenges.
Group Photo Session FPT PRB
Visiting Disaster Research Facilities
BNPB visited Tsunami Wave Flume Facilities
BNPB also visited the campus’s student practice facilities, including the Real-time Earthquake Observatory Laboratory for earthquake detection and impact estimation, and the Multi-functional Tsunami Flume Laboratory for tsunami modeling.
They hopes that all facilities will be promoted and used as tools for education and enhancing community capacity.
“Research by students should be disseminated as education to the public,” she concluded.
As the recommendations, universities should actively participate in disaster risk reduction as part of the Pentahelix model of disaster management collaboration. By enhancing innovation and technology, they can play a crucial role in preventing and reducing disaster risks and the impacts of climate change. Through community service programs such as KKNT Destana, KKNT SPAB, and KKNT PRB, universities can further engage in meaningful societal contributions. Moreover, enhancing the capacity of the academic community through disaster education and the establishment of Disaster Resilient Universities is essential. Universities also have a pivotal role in the dissemination and scientific-based communication of disaster risks. Ultimately, they can contribute significantly to the future reduction of risks associated with potential disasters and climate change, ensuring a more resilient society.
