20th anniversary of the Yogyakarta–Central Java earthquake commemorated
Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Yogyakarta–Central Java earthquake builds back the collective memory of the public and strengthens a disaster-resilient culture through a collaborative pentahelix approach involving government, academics, business, media, and communities. The event is organised by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) together with PT Taman Wisata Candi and Emergency Disaster Reduction and Rescue (EDRR) Indonesia.
The first agenda took place at SMAN 1 Kalasan, Sleman Regency, in the form of a Disaster-Resilience Education Unit (SPAB) activity. Participants received materials ranging from an introduction to earthquake hazard potentials, rescue and evacuation procedures, reporting through the Jogja Digdaya app, and disaster simulations.
At the end of the activity, Kemenko PMK presented certificates to several parties for their high commitment in implementing the SPAB strategic program in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The awards were given to the Provincial Office of Education, Youth, and Sports of DIY, the DIY Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and Emergency Disaster Reduction and Rescue (EDRR) Indonesia.
The award to EDRR Indonesia recognised its support for SPAB at SMAN 1 Kalasan and for opening the Survivor Market in the Prambanan area. SPAB reduces risk and impact of disasters in educational units, covering mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response.
“We accept this award as a reminder that safety must start from the classroom. EDRR Indonesia regards the Disaster-Resilience Education Unit not merely as a program, but a long-term investment. When mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response are embedded from school, we are safeguarding the generations to come,” said Rakyan Adibrata, Country Director for Government Relations at EDRR Indonesia, in a written statement on Friday (22 May).
The series of activities continued with the opening of the Survivor Market at Lapangan Garuda, near the Prambanan temple. The Survivor Market features 44 micro, small and medium survivor businesses as part of supporting economic recovery and strengthening community resilience post-disaster.
Lilik Kurniawan, Deputy for Disaster Management and Social Conflict Coordination at the Kemenko PMK, stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building community resilience. He invited disaster survivors to participate in the Survivor Market as an effort to boost their economies.
Pratikno, Minister for Human Development and Culture, stated the progress of emergency response, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto said the agency has prepared several logistics storage points to accelerate distribution to areas most in need. This event is part of the national vegetation planting movement for disaster mitigation. Pratikno emphasised the need for swift and comprehensive steps to ensure the safety of schools and pesantren across Indonesia.