Tagana's Anniversary: Social Minister Urges Data and System-Based Disaster Management
Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), accompanied by Deputy Social Minister Agus Jabo Priyono, attended the Flag-Raising Ceremony for the 22nd Anniversary of Taruna Siaga Bencana (Tagana) in the courtyard of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The ceremony was attended by 1,000 Tagana members from all provinces in Indonesia.
Gus Ipul stated that Tagana must always be present at every disaster, in line with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. He emphasised that Tagana’s presence is not merely a slogan, but proof that the state is never absent for the people.
“Tagana is not just volunteers. Tagana is the nation’s frontline guard in social protection during disasters. You arrive the fastest, work the hardest, and leave last,” said Gus Ipul in his remarks on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Furthermore, Gus Ipul explained that Tagana’s role encompasses all stages of disaster management, from pre-disaster, emergency response, to post-disaster. According to him, Tagana does not only bring aid, but also hope to disaster-affected communities.
To the thousands of Tagana members, Gus Ipul conveyed six main directives. “First, readiness without compromise. When a disaster occurs, Tagana must be the first to arrive; there must be no delays or doubts,” said Gus Ipul.
Second, Gus Ipul urged all Tagana personnel to always act professionally and be well-trained by enhancing capacities in evacuation, logistics, public kitchens, and psychosocial support.
“Training is real preparedness in the field, because the disasters we face in the field are not simulations but human lives,” explained Gus Ipul.
Third, Tagana is asked to be solid and integrated through strengthening collaboration with the TNI, Polri, BNPB, social services, and all stakeholders. “Remember, disasters must be handled with mutual cooperation,” stressed Gus Ipul.
Fourth, Gus Ipul advised that disaster management must be based on data and systems. This way, disaster response is not only fast but also on target.
“Use the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) to ensure aid is on target because every misdirected aid delays help for others,” he said.
Next, Gus Ipul urged maintaining integrity without compromise. “There must be no misuse of aid because disaster aid is a humanitarian trust; there is no room for compromise in humanitarian trust,” advised Gus Ipul.
Sixth, Gus Ipul urged Tagana to always be humane and empathetic. This is because disaster victims not only lose their homes, but also their sense of security and hope, so Tagana’s presence must provide warmth and strengthen morale.
Urging Tagana to Succeed Sekolah Rakyat
On that occasion, Gus Ipul also entrusted a special task to Tagana to ensure the success of the Sekolah Rakyat programme.
“Tagana must participate in safeguarding Sekolah Rakyat. We thank all Tagana who have so far acted as friends of Sekolah Rakyat. You are volunteers but work with extraordinary dedication,” revealed Gus Ipul.
He also urged all local governments to continue supporting Tagana. “I entrust three things: pay attention to Tagana in the regions, strengthen their capacity, and support their operations. Do not let them be present without support, work without protection. If our Tagana is strong, our society will be more resilient,” concluded Gus Ipul.
For information, also present at the ceremony were Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs Robben Rico, Director General of Protection and Social Security Agus Zainal Arifin, and high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The 22nd Tagana Anniversary Ceremony was closed with an impressive vertical rescue simulation. In the attraction, Tagana personnel demonstrated the evacuation of victims from heights in the main Ministry building using ladder rescue and zip line techniques. This simulation illustrates Tagana’s readiness, skills, and dedication in facing disaster situations.