From Consumer to Producer: Indonesia Urged to Master Disaster Technology

Indonesia is assessed as still being in the position of a user of disaster technology, not a producer. This condition is seen as hindering national self-reliance in facing increasingly complex disaster risks. The government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, is now encouraging a major transformation, from strengthening disaster management systems to accelerating the domestic industrialisation of disaster technology. This was conveyed at the National Seminar on the Implementation of Self-Reliance in Innovation Technology and Disaster Industrialisation held in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/4). The event is part of the Road to ADEXCO 2026 series, aimed at encouraging synergy between government, academia, and industry in accelerating national disaster technology self-reliance. Deputy for Systems and Strategies at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Raditya Jati, emphasised the importance of transforming the disaster management approach from responsive to preventive and risk-based. According to him, strengthening the national system is key to minimising disaster impacts. “Data integration and cross-sector coordination remain challenges that need to be strengthened to ensure faster and more effective responses when disasters occur,” said Raditya. He added that strengthening early warning systems, regional preparedness, and enhancing community capacity are strategic steps in building national resilience. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, stressed that disaster issues must be a primary part of the development planning process. “Development should not only be oriented towards economic growth but must also consider resilience to disaster risks,” he said. Febrian also emphasised the importance of synergy between central and regional governments, as well as the involvement of various stakeholders in formulating comprehensive and sustainable disaster management strategies.