Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Indonesia

Dozens of journalists participate in disaster mitigation training

By Safrin La Batu

The Social Affairs Ministry conducted disaster mitigation training for journalists on Wednesday in an effort to promote disaster vigilance and the ability to have quick responses during emergency situations.

More than 30 journalists have joined the training that is being conducted on Pramuka Island in Thousand Islands regency, Jakarta, and will last until Friday. Participants were involved in a set of simulations including how to help minimize impact. They were also trained in post-disaster trauma healing.

"Journalists are always at the forefront of every incident," Harry Hikmat, the ministry’s director general for social security and protection, said during the opening of the training, emphasizing the reason why journalists should take part in such a training.

Thousand Islands is also no stranger to disaster. In September, last year, a whirlwind hit Tidung Island and damaged 117 houses.

An archipelagic country with at least 17,000 islands, Indonesia has issues with quick responses to natural disasters, especially in remote areas with limited access.

According to the National Disaster and Mitigation Agency (BNPB), 323 cities and regencies in Indonesia are prone to disaster. The agency recorded 162 disasters in 2015, killing 9,333 people and injuring 22,855 others. (bbs)