Mitigation efforts and responsive disaster risk management are urgently needed by both the government and communities following the flash floods that struck Sumatra in late November.
This urgency is driven by increasingly extreme weather patterns and the growing complexity of geological and ecological disasters. As the rainy season is only in its early phase, similar incidents are likely to occur in other regions of Indonesia.
Minimizing casualties and infrastructure damage, therefore, demands more measured and coordinated responses from all stakeholders. These concerns were raised during the Pojok Bulaksumur discussion titled “Examining the Causes and Impacts of Flash Floods in Sumatra” held at the UGM Central Office on Thursday (Dec. 4).
Professor Dwikorita Karnawati, former Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and a professor at the Geological Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, stated that Indonesia already has an early warning system that operates well before disasters occur.
BMKG issued warnings as early as September and updated them on November 21, specifying areas potentially at risk. According to her, challenges arise when the response capacity of local governments does not develop as rapidly as the information provided.
“Early warning, early response. Early warnings must always be followed by early action,” she emphasized.
In the forum, Professor Karnawati stressed that effective mitigation does not end with the ability to detect threats but also depends on readiness to act once warnings are issued.
She explained that robust information systems must be matched by swift operational responses at the regional level. Preparedness must keep pace with the dynamics of extreme weather, which can change from hour to hour.
She further noted that technical readiness on the ground plays a decisive role in reducing the impact of disasters.
Inspecting embankments, dredging rivers, clearing drainage systems, and ensuring heavy equipment is available are basic measures that must be undertaken promptly. Experience shows that disaster communication at the community level remains suboptimal.
“The term siaga (alert) is often not well understood by the public, so the necessary response does not occur in time,” Professor Karnawati said.
From an environmental perspective, Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo emphasized that restoring upstream areas is a key component of long-term risk reduction.
Ecosystem degradation in watershed areas has diminished the capacity of river basins to regulate discharge during extreme rainfall. Rehabilitation efforts, increased vegetation cover, and control over land-use change must become shared priorities.
“Without ecosystem recovery in upstream areas, disaster risk will remain high,” he stated.
Dr. Suryatmojo added that remapping disaster vulnerability is necessary to provide governments with a strong basis for spatial planning and settlement restructuring.
Disaster response task forces can identify safe and unsafe zones based on current field conditions. This information should serve as the primary reference when deciding on relocating residents from high-risk areas.
“If vulnerability is high, the most logical step is to reduce exposure through relocation,” he explained.
From a public health perspective, Dr. Bayu Satria Wiratama warned that the first 24-72 hours after a disaster constitute a critical phase.
Access to clean water, sanitation, and proper spatial arrangements in shelters is crucial to reducing the risk of infectious diseases. Leptospirosis, diarrhea, and other infections can easily spread in poorly managed environments.
“Shelters must ensure hygiene, water supply, and adequate space management to minimize transmission risks,” he said.
Bayu also highlighted the importance of addressing mental health from the early stages of emergency response. Many survivors experience anxiety and severe stress due to loss and situational pressure.
Early identification of individuals with severe symptoms is essential to prevent worsening of conditions.
“Early psychological support is crucial to prevent symptoms from developing into more serious conditions,” he added.
Dr. Rustamaji, Director of Community Service, outlined the measures currently undertaken by the UGM Disaster Response Unit (DERU) to support response efforts in affected areas.
The team has conducted data collection on at-risk students and families, deployed medical personnel, and prepared logistical support and clean water infrastructure. Coordination is carried out with local universities and regional governments to ensure aid is delivered safely and effectively.
“Deployed teams must ensure safety so they do not add to the risk burden at disaster sites,” he said.
Dr. Rustamaji emphasized that cross-unit coordination within UGM is essential to ensure that assistance remains relevant to on-the-ground needs. He explained that assessment teams from various faculties have been mobilized to develop evidence-based recommendations on infrastructure recovery, health services, and basic needs for affected communities.
UGM has also prepared medium-term support schemes, including economic recovery and psychosocial assistance for disaster-affected communities.
“We ensure that every step taken aligns with real community needs and strengthens their resilience beyond the emergency phase,” he concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian