Yogyakarta Students Trained in Disaster Simulations to Prevent 2006 Earthquake Trauma Recurrence
SLEMAN – The 20th anniversary of the Yogyakarta earthquake was utilised to strengthen disaster preparedness in schools at risk of impact. One such initiative took place at SMA 1 Kalasan, where the school conducted a disaster response simulation for students.
The activity was part of a school disaster readiness programme organised jointly by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) and InJourney Destination Management (IDM) on Friday, 22 May 2026. Lilik Kurniawan, Deputy for Disaster and Social Conflict Coordination at Kemenko PMK, stated that enhancing school preparedness is crucial as earthquakes can occur at any time without warning.
“Today’s event is part of our collective commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the earthquake in Yogyakarta and Central Java. Why schools? Because we know many schools are located in disaster-prone areas. Nationally, there are approximately 250,000 schools in disaster-prone zones, including those vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, floods, and other hazards across Indonesia,” he said after the disaster response training at SMA 1 Kalasan on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Lilik explained that nationwide, around 250,000 schools are in disaster-prone areas, from earthquakes to floods and landslides. Therefore, schools are a critical point for disaster mitigation education. He emphasised that the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake must remain a collective memory to ensure society does not forget the threat of disasters that could reoccur at any time.
He added that no individual or institution can predict when an earthquake will strike, so the only course of action is to strengthen preparedness now.
“The 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake must become a national collective memory. We must not forget or deny that it happened, as that would weaken our preparedness,” he said.
During the simulation at SMA 1 Kalasan, students were trained to handle emergency situations during an earthquake, from evacuation procedures to self-rescue measures. The school is the 10th in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) to receive enhanced disaster readiness support.
“SMA 1 Kalasan is the 10th school in Yogyakarta to be strengthened in this regard and will continue to work, work, and work. This is one of our investments in disaster management in Indonesia,” Lilik said.