Banda Aceh (November 07, 2024) – Banda Aceh, Indonesia – The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), in cooperation with the Aceh Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) and the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA), is proud to announce the organization of the International Seminar on Tsunami Disaster Mitigation 2024. This event is held to commemorate the tragic 2004 Aceh tsunami and to enhance future tsunami mitigation strategies. 
The seminar opened with the recitation of Al-Fatihah and the national anthem, “Indonesia Raya”, followed by a performance of the traditional dance, Ranup Lampuan, by students from SD IT Cendikia Darussalam. The Rector of USK, Prof. Ir. Marwan, officially inaugurated the event, kicking off a series of crucial discussions on disaster mitigation.
Keynote speakers at the seminar included Dr. Gerry Potutan and Dr. MIFUNE Yasumichi from the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), Japan, and Prof. Dr. Roberto Carniel, representing the Italian Embassy. The first session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ir. Ella Meilianda, ST.MT, who directed the conversation towards innovations and strategies in disaster mitigation.
In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, the seminar featured a poster presentation session. Twelve presenters showcased their research on various aspects of tsunami disaster mitigation, providing attendees with insights into cutting-edge studies and innovations in the field.
Two informative panel sessions discussed mitigation strategies from various perspectives, with contributions from both domestic and international speakers. Speakers included Dr. H. T. Ahmad Dadek from the Aceh Provincial BAPPEDA, Assoc. Prof. Anawat Suppasri from IRIDeS, Tohoku University, and Dr. Khamarrul Azhari Bin Razak from the University of Technology Malaysia. Topics covered included the integration of lessons learned from past disasters into current and future planning, as well as the implementation of early warning technologies and tsunami-resistant infrastructure.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of a multidimensional approach to disaster mitigation that involves technological aspects, scientific knowledge, public policy, and active community participation. Research and experiences from countries like Japan and Malaysia were analyzed to identify best practices that could be adapted by Indonesia in facing natural disaster threats.
Participants of the seminar, including academics, practitioners, and policymakers, had the opportunity to discuss, exchange experiences, and share ideas in this forum. The event also saw participation both in person and online, reaffirming a global commitment to disaster management and reducing its impact in the future.
