Gov’t Launches National Early Warning System

Minister of Communications and Informatics Budi Arie launches the National Early Warning System for Disasters (SNPDK) at the Ministry’s office, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (10/01). (Photo by: PR Bureau of Ministry of Communications and Informatics)

Ministry of Communications and Informatics has developed the National Early Warning System for Disasters (SNPDK), which consists of the Early Warning System (EWS) and the Disaster Prevention Information System (DPIS).

According to Minister of Communications and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi, the EWS and DPIS will facilitate efforts to minimize stakeholders in mitigating disaster risks in the country.

“I sincerely hope that the EWS Digital TV system, DPIS, and SMS blast can ease coordination in providing responsive assistance, as well as minimizing the impact on the community and environment,” he said during the launch of the SNPDK at the Ministry’s office, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (10/01).

In line with the country’s geography, the Minister underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and invited all parties to support these initiatives, ensuring that society benefits from them.

The SNPDK integrates disaster information systems from ministries, agencies, and regional governments, as well as disaster information providers including (1) the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), (2) Ministry of Environment and Forestry, (3) the National Disaster Management Agency, (4) the Geological Agency of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (PVMBG), and (5) the Jakarta Special Region Disaster Management Agency.

The EWS Digital TV system is also integrated with telecommunications and broadcasting providers.

“The EWS Digital TV system has two main features, namely free real-time SMS blast to the community in the affected area and system integration with ministries, agencies, and regional governments as well as information providers for the affected community,” the Minister said.

Development and innovation have also continuously been done to strengthen and widen the range of disaster information dissemination.

“The Ministry has conducted a series of testing with multiplexing (mux) providers as well as TV and STB vendors on the implementation of EWS Digital TV,” he said.

In a bid to ensure that the information on disasters and safety warnings can be accessed through the digital TV broadcast, the Minister urged the public to use the Minister’s certified Digital TV or STB device and enter the correct postal code on the device to receive accurate information.

In addition, the DPIS is a real-time disaster information service for officers in the field developed by the Indonesian and Japanese Governments. The system, which can be used on computers or mobile phones, connects officers in ministries and agencies, as well as broadcasting agencies, through integrated information.

“We integrate officers, Call Center 112, [state-owned television network] TVRI, and [state-owned radio network] RRI. The system will also integrate disaster and emergency officers and volunteers in various ministries, agencies, and regional governments,” he said. (PR Bureau of Ministry of Communication and Informatics/RAH/ABD) (FI/MMB)