Indonesia's BNPB, Australia's DFAT, Unand partner in disaster research

“This cooperation is a strategic step toward building a sustainable disaster management ecosystem, particularly for Sumatra, which faces high risks of geological and hydrometeorological disasters,” Andalas University Rector Efa Yonnedi said in Padang, West Sumatra, on Sunday.

The cooperation is supported through BNPB grant funding under the Siap Siaga-DFAT program.

Through the 2025 BNPB grant, Unand will conduct research on the Sumatra megathrust threat and publish a book titled “Overview Ancaman Megathrust Sumatera.”

He said the grant would also support the International Conference on Disaster Management and Mitigation as a platform for scientific collaboration and the exchange of ideas on disaster mitigation.

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For the 2026-2027 period, the university plans to expand research on megathrust threats and prepare a publication on hydrometeorological disasters in response to the increasing number of disasters in Sumatra in recent years.

“Universities play a strategic role in producing research and innovation that can support policymaking,” Yonnedi said.

He added that Unand remains committed to strengthening academic programs and disaster studies relevant to public needs.

Yonnedi emphasized that strengthening disaster resilience is essential not only for public safety but also for maintaining development stability and investor confidence.

Meanwhile, BNPB Secretary Rustian stressed the importance of field-based disaster mitigation policies.

“Future disaster mitigation policies must be based on actual conditions in the field to ensure effective and targeted measures,” he said.

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Translator: M. Zulfikar, Tegar Nurfitra