Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Jakarta’s residents are being actively prepared for the risk of a megathrust earthquake in the Sunda Strait, as the local government launches a series of disaster simulation drills. This initiative, aimed at reducing the impact of such a catastrophe, is part of a comprehensive emergency preparedness program led by the Jakarta Provincial Government.
“In the near future, we will conduct simultaneous drills to mitigate the risks of a megathrust earthquake, which has once again become a major concern,” said Wardaya, Head of the Subgroup for Emergency and Refugee Management at the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), during a podcast with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Wardaya detailed the extensive simulation plans, which are designed to engage all segments of Jakarta’s population. These drills will cover various scenarios, from how to respond to earthquakes in different settings including hospitals, densely populated residential areas, markets, schools, and office buildings and also to other types of disasters such as fires and floods.
“It’s not just about earthquakes, the simultaneous drills will also include self-rescue techniques for fire and flood emergencies,” Wardaya added.
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The simulations will involve several expert emergency response teams, including firefighters, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and occupational health and safety (OHS) teams from local businesses. Wardaya also mentioned that a circular letter from the governor will be issued to mandate participation in these coordinated drills.
This is not the first time Jakarta has held such disaster simulations. According to Wardaya, these drills are a routine part of the local government’s agenda, as outlined in the governor’s regulations.
At the BPBD headquarters in Petojo Utara, Gambir, Jakarta, a public literacy room equipped with disaster-related tools is available to the public free of charge, allowing residents to educate themselves on disaster preparedness every day.
Wardaya emphasized that this disaster simulation drills are not only intended to reinforce emergency response protocols but also to ensure that residents remain calm and capable of executing rescue procedures during a disaster.
“Our people tend to feel confident too quickly, sometimes questioning why we need repeated drills. But when the real event happens, they forget what to do. For example, during fires, victims often run towards water when they should be crawling to avoid inhaling smoke. This is why we need to keep these drills going,” he concluded.
With these efforts, the Jakarta government hopes to instill a culture of readiness among its residents, ensuring that everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes. As Jakarta faces the looming threat of a megathrust earthquake, regular preparedness drills are seen as essential for saving lives and minimizing damage.
(Raidi/Agung)
