Universitas Gadjah Mada with Yogyakarta Provincial Government, Directorate General of Cipta Karya, Public Works Department, supported by Java Reconstruction Fund, launched excellent network of disaster management “SIAP TEPAT” (Sustaining A Partnership in Local Governments trough the Development of the Network of Excellence in Participatory Disaster Risk Reduction), Monday (20/2) at University Club (UC) UGM.
Chairman of Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) of UGM, Prof. Dr. Techn. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc. said that SIAP TEPAT network currently has approximately one hundred members who come from both government and non-government agencies and NGOs.
"Indonesia is vulnerable to disasters, so we need to have inter-agency communication and information that has been focused on disaster risk reduction efforts, especially in Yogyakarta-Central Java," Danang said.
Danang added that one of backgrounds of the formation of SIAP TEPAT excellent network of disaster management is the high possibilities for natural disasters in Indonesia, such as floods and landslides. According to Danang, the network will disseminate all information about disaster risk management to the wider community.
"Hopefully, with the presence of this excellent network, the public's knowledge about the disaster will also increase. Therefore, the information needs to be documented and utilized," Danang said.
Furthermore, Danang said that there are three contents being developed through the network that has a website www.dm-network.net. The three contents are network of excellence or science network in disaster risk reduction (DRR), the formation of disaster risk reduction manual and disaster risk capacity management.
In addition to providing important information on disaster risk reduction, SIAP TEPAT also serves disaster assistance and training virtually without having to come face to face.
Meanwhile, General Administration Assistant in Regional Secretariat in Yogyakarta Province, Drs. Sigit Sapto Raharjo, MM, representing Regional Secretary of Yogyakarta Province, Drs. Ichsanuri, welcomed the launch of SIAP TEPAT excellent network of disaster management. He hoped the presence of the network could further strengthen the role of pre-existing disaster risk management agencies.
"Besides, do not forget the existence of local knowledge that can be used to assist DRR efforts in the area. The program can run smoothly, precisely, without a cumbersome bureaucracy," Sigit said.