Protecting Communities: Pegadaian Distributes Earthquake and Tsunami Mitigation Research

PT Pegadaian (Persero) and Andalas University (Unand) have handed over the results of comprehensive research on Community Empowerment in Independent Preparedness for the Mentawai Megathrust Earthquake and Tsunami Threat in Padang City. The collaborative research results were presented at the Andalas University campus in Padang and received by Padang Mayor Fadly Amran on Monday (29/6). This step represents the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability, particularly in the social and community resilience pillars. Through the Pegadaian Peduli programme, the company is focusing on safety aspects and long-term social investment for communities in disaster-prone operational areas. The collaborative research successfully produced a blueprint for a community-based disaster risk management model. This model integrates five main instruments: independent early tsunami detection technology, a community-based evacuation system, the utilisation of mosques as shelters and disaster information centres, the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for evacuation, and public education accompanied by independent disaster simulations that can be implemented. The high potential threat of a Mentawai megathrust earthquake and the risk of a tsunami along the coast of Padang City demand solutions that do not rely solely on large-scale government infrastructure but also on strengthening the internal capacity of residents as the front line of rescue. One of the breakthroughs from this research is the designation of mosques as symbols of emergency preparedness. Under this new model, the function of mosques is optimised to act as temporary evacuation shelters, information control centres, and the main coordination spaces for residents during a crisis. PT Pegadaian’s Director of Risk Management, Legal, and Compliance, Ismail Ilyas, explained that this sociological approach was carefully chosen because it aligns with the philosophy of ‘Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah’ in West Sumatra, where mosques hold a central role in the structural and cultural life of the community. ‘This collaboration between Pegadaian and higher education institutions like Andalas University is proof that research must not stop merely as an academic study document in the library, but must be converted into applicable solutions that save lives. We hope this independent preparedness model can significantly strengthen the resilience capacity of the Padang community and become a national benchmark that can be replicated in other disaster-prone coastal areas in Indonesia,’ he said, as quoted on Friday (3/7/2026). The research results were also accompanied by physical assistance in the form of supporting devices for a locally made early warning system component that is easy to maintain. This synergy also confirms that university research supported by corporate funding can accelerate the handling of crucial issues in the regions. Vice Rector III of Andalas University, Kurnia Warman, expressed appreciation to Pegadaian for supporting this applicable research. ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to PT Pegadaian (Persero) for the trust, financial support, and full facilities provided for this research. This cross-sector collaboration proves that the combination of academic expertise and corporate social concern can produce innovations that directly impact the strengthening of public safety. We hope this strategic partnership can continue into a broader implementation phase,’ said Kurnia. Meanwhile, Padang Mayor Fadly Amran also expressed his appreciation to Pegadaian and Andalas University for initiating the research. He advised the community to utilise it optimally. ‘To the community, especially Pasie Nan Tigo, I hope that what has been handed over by Pegadaian and Unand can be maintained and utilised optimally. Disaster preparedness is our shared responsibility. The more prepared the community is, the greater our chances of surviving and saving more lives when a disaster occurs,’ said Fadly. Going forward, the synergy involving the business sector, academics, local government, media, and community groups will continue to be strengthened to build a robust, responsive, and sustainable disaster awareness culture.