DPR Member Urges Magelang City to Boost Disaster Preparedness

Magelang City is indeed not in Merapi’s red zone, but as a buffer city it must remain prepared. Speaking in Magelang on Thursday, Wibowo Prasetyo, a member of the DPR RI from Commission VIII, urged Magelang City as a buffer around Mount Merapi to continue heightening vigilance and readiness to face various potential disasters, even though the area is not in the eruption’s red zone.

According to information circulating, Merapi’s current activity warrants serious attention because its eruption characteristics that often bring surprises. This condition is seen as requiring readiness by local government, especially the Magelang City government, to anticipate potential impacts.

In addition to volcanic activity, anomalous weather conditions and the potential for extreme weather are also concerns. Strong winds, the risk of landslides, and the densely built urban character pose risks that must be anticipated, including the possibility of fires in residential areas.

“Magelang City is indeed not in Merapi’s red zone, but as a buffer city it must remain prepared. We hope everything will be fine, but vigilance must be maintained because there is always potential for disasters,” he said.

The Magelang City government through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is expected to continue strengthening the preparedness system, whether through forming volunteers, disaster management training, or enhanced cross-sector coordination.

He said these steps are important so that when disasters occur, emergency response can be carried out quickly and effectively, minimising the impact.

Magelang City’s BPBD has also played a role in monitoring, initial handling, and coordinating disaster response for each incident in the city.

He added that with local government preparedness and community participation, various potential disasters that may occur in Magelang City can be anticipated more effectively.