Indonesia to Host Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Forum

Head of National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo delivers press statement on Thursday (15/10) (Photo: Teguh/PR)

Indonesia will host the 2022 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) forum which aims to increase disaster risk reduction efforts through communication and coordination between stakeholders.

“This forum will also use as an opportunity to share experiences in formulating strategic guidelines for the implementation of a global disaster risk reduction framework,” said Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo at a Limited Meeting via video conference on Preparations for the 2022 GPDRR, Thursday (15/10).

Moreover, this forum will discuss natural and non-natural disasters. Handling the COVID-19 pandemic, Doni continued, will also be discussed in the biennial forum initiated by the United Nations for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as COVID-19 pandemic is categorized into the non-natural disaster cluster.

“The Committee team will coordinate with the UN to discuss which countries are given the opportunity to convey their measures to handle COVID-19 outbreak,” said Doni.

He went on to explain the four disaster threat clusters that will be discussed at the forum.

First, geological and volcanological natural disasters cluster. “Earthquakes and volcanoes are included in the cluster categorized as the first cluster,” Doni explained.

Second, dry hydrometeorological cluster, including drought and forest and land fires.

Third, wet hydrometeorological cluster, including floods, flash floods, landslides, tornadoes, and coastal abrasion.

Four, non-natural disasters, including the current pandemic.

During the GPDRR, Doni added, the Indonesian Government will also convey the role of the National Defense Forces (TNI) / the National Police (Polri) in overcoming disasters in Indonesia. “The involvement of the TNI / the Polri in implementing disaster management, military operations other than war , has also become one of our strengths,” he said.

In addition, said Doni, this forum will be beneficial for Indonesia’s soft diplomacy in the international arena. “It is expected to revive the tourism sector, especially after the pandemic,” said Doni. (MAY / FID / UN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti