Disaster Preparedness Day 2026: Note the Theme and Instructions
Disaster Preparedness Day (HKB) will once again be commemorated on 26 April 2026. In observance of this national day, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has issued guidance for HKB 2026 implementation. Through Circular Letter (SE) No. 3 of 2026, BNPB urges governors across Indonesia, provincial Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), and district/city BPBDs to disseminate information on independent evacuation procedures to employees, businesses, and the public. The circular also includes visual materials for the National Disaster Preparedness Day 2026 commemoration, which can be used by the community. Here is the complete information. Theme and Message of HKB 2026 In BNPB’s official publication, it is stated that the theme for National Disaster Preparedness Day 2026 is “Ready to Survive.” This theme is complemented by the sub-theme “United in Resilient Vigilance Against Disasters.” BNPB notes that this theme and sub-theme align with strengthening human resources (HR) under the President’s Asta Cita of the Republic of Indonesia. The HKB 2026 logo features the main text “HKB 2026” combined with the slogan “Ready to Survive,” along with an illustration of a kentongan as a symbol of traditional early warning. The most prominent visual element is an illustration shaped like an infinity symbol (∞), representing various disaster risks in Indonesia, such as floods and landslides, while emphasising the importance of ongoing preparedness. The logo also embeds a call to action for the public to conduct independent evacuation simulations. Instructions for HKB 2026 Commemoration Through the 2026 Disaster Preparedness Day commemoration, BNPB also conveys instructions to sound early warning signals simultaneously on 26 April 2026 at 10:00 local time. This is to build the nation’s resilience in facing disasters. “Sound the kentongan, siren, bell, and early warning system (EWS) devices simultaneously at 10:00 local time. Conduct independent evacuation drills immediately to safe locations so that we are ready and safe from disasters,” as stated. Background of HKB Commemoration Disaster Preparedness Day is commemorated every 26 April. This date coincides with the enactment of Law (UU) No. 24 of 2007 on Disaster Management. This momentum serves as a reminder that Indonesia is one of the countries with a high level of disaster risk, even ranking second out of 193 most vulnerable countries according to the WorldRiskReport 2023. This risk is determined by factors of hazards, exposure levels, and community capacity in facing disasters. Therefore, preparedness becomes a key to minimising disaster impacts. The public needs to be equipped with the ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters with the build back better principle, so that resilience can be built from an early stage.