Pegadaian and Unand Strengthen Earthquake and Tsunami Mitigation in Padang Through Research

PT Pegadaian (Persero) together with Andalas University (Unand) has delivered comprehensive research results on community empowerment for independent preparedness against the threat of the Mentawai Megathrust earthquake and tsunami in Padang. This proactive step aims to protect coastal communities. The initiative also represents Pegadaian’s effort to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability, particularly in the social and community resilience pillars. Through the Pegadaian Peduli programme, the company demonstrates that its focus extends beyond financial inclusion to include long-term social investment and safety for communities in disaster-prone operational areas. Director of Risk Management, Legal, and Compliance of PT Pegadaian, Ismail Ilyas, stated that the collaboration proves research should not remain as academic documents in libraries but must be converted into applicable solutions that save lives. He expressed hope that this independent preparedness model would significantly strengthen the resilience of Padang’s community and become a national benchmark replicable in other disaster-prone coastal areas. The research results were handed over to the Mayor of Padang, Fadly Amran, at the Andalas University campus. The collaborative research produced a community-based disaster risk management blueprint integrating five main instruments: an independent tsunami early detection technology, a community-based evacuation system, the utilisation of mosques as shelters and disaster information centres, the formulation of standard operating procedures for evacuation, and public education accompanied by applicable independent disaster simulations. The high potential threat of the Mentawai Megathrust earthquake and the risk of tsunamis along the coast of Padang demand solutions that do not rely solely on large-scale government infrastructure but also strengthen the internal capacity of residents as the front line of rescue. One of the most prominent breakthroughs is positioning the mosque as a symbol of emergency preparedness. Under this new model, the mosque’s function is optimised to act as a temporary evacuation shelter, an information control centre, and the main coordination space for residents during a crisis. This sociological approach was carefully chosen as it aligns with the philosophy of ‘Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah’ in West Sumatra, where the mosque holds a central role in the structural and cultural life of the community. Vice Rector III of Andalas University, Prof. Dr. Kurnia Warman, expressed appreciation for the humanitarian vision shown by Pegadaian in supporting this applicable research, thanking the company for its trust, funding support, and full facilities. He noted that this cross-sector collaboration proves the combination of academic expertise and corporate social responsibility can produce innovations that directly impact public safety. Mayor of Padang, Fadly Amran, also commended Pegadaian and Andalas University for initiating the research and urged the community, especially in Pasie Nan Tigo, to maintain and optimally utilise the results, emphasising that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. In addition to the research, physical assistance was provided in the form of locally made early warning system components that are easy for residents to maintain. This synergy confirms that the downstreaming of university research supported by corporate funding can accelerate the handling of crucial regional issues. Going forward, Pegadaian will continue to strengthen synergy involving businesses, academics, local government, media, and community groups to build a tough, responsive, and sustainable disaster awareness culture, reaffirming its position as an adaptive corporation committed to providing added value for the nation.