Preparing Before Disaster Strikes

The urgency of disaster mitigation has come back into focus as news of natural disasters in Indonesia seems to keep coming week in week out over the past year, from volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to forest and land fires. Disaster mitigation efforts so far are seen as still falling short.

The World Risk Report 2025 ranks Indonesia third among countries most at risk of disaster, after the Philippines and India. Indonesia scored 39.80 in the ranking issued by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the IFHV of the Ruhr University Bochum.

The same report notes that Indonesia scores poorly on lack of coping capacities, with a score of 51.27, higher than its scores on the other measured aspects, namely exposure, vulnerability, susceptibility, and lack of adaptive capacities.

Prof. Dr. Kuswaji Dwi Priyono, M.Si., Professor of Geography at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), said the government has so far focused too heavily on budgeting for disaster response. Disaster budget allocation has been directed too much toward emergency response and post disaster recovery.

"What actually matters most is disaster mitigation," Kuswaji said when interviewed at his office on Friday (18/9/2026).

It's time for the disaster budget paradigm to shift. Focusing on prevention is more urgent, so as to reduce the impact and losses suffered by the public due to disasters.

This is especially true given that almost every island in Indonesia carries multiple disaster risks, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, drought, and forest and land fires. Most recently, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of a megathrust earthquake risk with a potential magnitude of 8.9 in the Sunda Strait region.

Disaster mitigation can begin at the individual and family levels. There are several ways to start preparing for disasters independently:

1. Learn about disaster risks around your home

Every area faces different disaster risks. For example, areas along rivers are at risk of flooding, volcanic slopes may be affected by eruptions and landslides, while coastal areas are at risk of tsunamis.

2. Understand evacuation procedures and routes from home to a safe location

Understanding evacuation procedures and routes can help people reach evacuation sites more effectively and efficiently when a disaster occurs.

3. Prepare a disaster emergency bag

A disaster emergency bag is an essential part of disaster preparedness. When a disaster occurs, people can evacuate immediately while carrying the emergency bag with them.

A disaster preparedness bag is an emergency bag that family members can prepare before a disaster or other emergency situation occurs. It contains essential supplies and important documents.

So, what should go inside a disaster preparedness bag? Here's a list of items that should be included:

1. Drinking water

Water should be enough to last approximately three days. It can be packed into small bottles so it's easier to pack and organize.

2. Canned or instant food

Choose food that can be eaten right away and won't spoil quickly. Canned food, instant noodles, or biscuits are good options.

3. Clothing

Bring enough clothing for 3 to 5 days, including pants, underwear, shirts, a blanket, and a raincoat.

4. Medication and a first aid kit

Bring specific medication if a family member has a particular medical condition, along with general emergency medication.

5. Toiletries

Soap, shampoo, towels, toothpaste, and a toothbrush should also be prepared.

6. Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting such as a flashlight, lantern, candles, or a torch can be used if the power goes out completely, providing light once night falls.

7. Communication and power devices

Make sure to prepare a power bank, spare batteries, and a radio to get information on evacuation routes.

8. Masks

Useful during a volcanic eruption or a forest and land fire.

9. Cash

Set aside enough cash in case banking services go down.

10. Documents

Prepare a number of important documents, such as identity cards (KTP, driver's license, passport), civil registration documents (family card and birth certificate), diplomas, and asset or financial ownership documents (land certificates, savings passbook, vehicle registration, insurance policy, BPJS health insurance card).

A disaster preparedness bag is something every Indonesian household should already have. Kuswaji Dwi Priyono said the risk of logistical chaos during a disaster emergency response period is very real. According to him, a disaster preparedness bag can help people get through that emergency response period.

"When disaster strikes, people are ready, and right by the front door there's already a backpack with a set amount of clothing, a set amount of ready to eat food. So they're prepared if they have to evacuate or flee their home," said the geography lecturer said.

In a number of disasters in Indonesia, he said, there have often been reports of looting, whether of aid trucks or of shops selling food supplies. He said this kind of situation can be avoided if people have already prepared supplies in a disaster preparedness bag.

Applying the pentahelix approach to disaster mitigation is very important. Five elements need to be involved in disaster mitigation: government, business or the private sector, academics, the public or community, and mass media.

These five elements need to sit down together to determine the right mitigation process. With a clear process in place, Kuswaji is confident that cases of aid looting, infrastructure damage, and chaos during disasters can be reduced.

"If sitting down together becomes a habit from the start, they'll develop a real awareness of disaster risk and its impact on the public," Kuswaji said firmly.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva