Indonesia public safety and disaster preparedness efforts

Indonesian authorities and regional governments are focusing on enhancing public safety, disaster preparedness, and national resilience through various policy and community initiatives. At a forum in Aceh, BBPOM leader Muhibuddin emphasized that emergency food distributed during disasters must adhere to strict safety and quality standards to protect public health. In Jakarta, Deputy Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan Taufanto advocated for cross-sector collaboration to ensure food and medicine safety through robust public policy. Regional efforts have expanded to include practical training and local health programs. In Banten, the Indonesian Red Cross conducted disaster preparedness training covering risk mapping and public kitchen management. In West Sumatra, Padang Panjang launched an initiative to eradicate mosquito larvae to prevent Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Meanwhile, Medan is collaborating with the Ministry of Defense on infrastructure to support national defense, and Pandeglang is working to strengthen social unity through cooperation between government, military, and religious leaders. Recent efforts have shifted toward individual mitigation, youth engagement, and specialized life-saving skills. Dr. Muhammad Hidayat of the Government Communication Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Bakom RI) has urged citizens to prepare emergency kits, or ‘tas siaga darurat’, containing essentials such as cash, documents, first aid, identification, and a whistle. In Ciamis Regency, the Sahabat TAGANA program has been utilized to train youth in disaster awareness and social care. Furthering community readiness, the PD Salimah Kabupaten Bogor Department of Education and Training partnered with RSIA Pasutri Bogor to conduct Basic Life Support training for approximately 40 participants to prepare for community emergencies. Preparedness efforts have recently intensified through large-scale drills and educational integration. In Banyumas, approximately 700 personnel from the TNI, Polri, BPBD, Basarnas, and volunteer organizations conducted a disaster readiness drill to strengthen cross-sector coordination.