UGM signs deal with social ministry

UGM signs deal with social ministry

YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University and the Ministry of Social
Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday on
disaster handling and mitigation.

Through the memorandum of understanding, the university will
produce a map of areas prone to disaster, provide training for
the ministry officials on disaster management and also formulate
a strategy on how to treat mentally disturbed victims of a
natural disaster.

Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah said that the
role of the university was important in disaster management and
mitigation efforts as the university could provide methods and
analysis in preventing and minimizing costs of recovery efforts
after a natural disaster.

Bachtiar cited the role of Syah Kuala University in Aceh which
has been instrumental in Aceh rehabilitation and reconstruction
efforts in the post-tsunami period in the province. -- JP