BNPB Affirms Aid Does Not Wait for National Disaster Status Following Constitutional Court Ruling

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has affirmed that handling communities affected by disasters remains a priority, regardless of the disaster status set by the government. The affirmation was conveyed by BNPB after respecting Constitutional Court Decision No. 261/PUU-XXIII/2025, which was read out on Friday, 28 August 2026. The decision provides clarity regarding the government’s mechanism for determining disaster status, whether at national or regional scale. BNPB stated that the Constitutional Court ruling will form part of the evaluation and adjustment in the implementation of disaster management going forward.

BNPB explained that there have been five indicators considered in determining disaster status. The five indicators include the number of victims, loss of property, damage to facilities and infrastructure, the extent of the area affected by the disaster, and the social and economic impact. Previously, these five indicators were understood to have to be fulfilled in their entirety when determining disaster status. However, through its ruling, the Constitutional Court stated that the five indicators do not all have to be fulfilled. Specifically, in determining national disaster status, at least three of the five indicators must be met. The number of victims is the primary indicator in determining that status. The change provides clarity on how disaster indicators are used in the government’s decision-making process.

BNPB emphasised that determining disaster status is an important state decision. Therefore, the decision must be based on actual conditions and accurate data from the field. To support this process, BNPB will continue to strengthen a number of stages, from rapid assessment, data collection, impact analysis to assessment of the regional government’s capacity to handle disasters. The data and assessment results will subsequently serve as material for the government in determining the necessary handling measures and policies. BNPB will also study the Constitutional Court ruling thoroughly to ensure that the implementation of disaster management remains in accordance with legal provisions.

One of the points affirmed by BNPB is that national disaster status is not the sole basis for the central government to provide assistance to regions. The central government can still deploy personnel, equipment, logistics, funding and technical support as needed and within its authority.