BRIN: Unified Exposure Model Needed for Integrated Disaster Risk Data

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has stated that Indonesia still faces challenges due to the fragmentation of disaster risk data, which is scattered across various agencies. Consequently, an integrated multi-hazard exposure model is required to strengthen development planning and disaster resilience.

BRIN Deputy Head, Amarulla Octavian, stated in a briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday that essential data is already available within several institutions, such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BSS), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and various universities.

“Currently, the data landscape in Indonesia is being developed through the One Data Policy and the National One Disaster Data initiative. However, data remains fragmented. Valuable data is available across various institutions, but the lack of an integrated national exposure database limits our ability to project impacts effectively,” he said.

He assessed that disaster risk reduction cannot be carried out sectorally, as the development of a national-scale exposure model requires contributions from various parties, ranging from BPS, BMKG, the Geological Agency, BNPB, universities, to the research community.

“No single institution can build and maintain a national-scale exposure model alone. Therefore, we need to create space for collaboration, overcome data interoperability challenges, and share expertise to produce a multi-hazard exposure model that is beneficial for development planning and disaster risk reduction,” Amarulla Octavian added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Diana Kusumastuti, highlighted Indonesia’s position at the meeting point of the world’s major tectonic plates, making it one of the countries with a high level of disaster risk.

According to her, disaster risk is not only determined by natural threats but arises when these threats interact with humans, infrastructure, economic activities, and vulnerable environments.

“Understanding exposure and vulnerability is just as important as understanding the threat itself,” she said.

Diana highlighted the Java Trench as one of the most significant tectonic systems in Indonesia, which has the potential to trigger earthquakes and tsunamis.

Therefore, strengthening exposure information in that region is considered vital to support decision-making and investment priorities capable of protecting the public and vital infrastructure.

“Understanding where people live, where infrastructure is located, and where economic activities are concentrated is an essential foundation for reducing disaster risk and improving the quality of development planning,” said Diana Kusumastuti.