New BNPB Head Kristomei Sianturi Prioritizes Swift, Integrated Disaster Response
Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Kristomei Sianturi reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening disaster management efforts across Indonesia.
Kristomei made the statement following his inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta, Thursday (10/15).
“Today, President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated me as Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Before the ceremony, I was also promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General. As of today, I officially assume my duties as BNPB Head,” Kristomei said.
The BNPB Head said he would prioritize responding to ongoing disasters in several regions across Indonesia. He emphasized that the complexity of disaster management challenges calls for swift, integrated response.
“We are currently facing [various] disasters, including forest fires, floods, volcanic eruptions, and others. We will focus our efforts on addressing these challenges [guided by my core principles]: collaboration, responsiveness, integration, and synchronization,” he continued.
The BNPB Head further emphasized that disaster management requires collaboration across all levels of government and all sectors of society, likening it to a rope that draws its strength from its strands working together.
“Everyone [must be] involved. All ministries, institutions, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the public [must work hand in hand]. This will ensure [effective] alignment between central and regional regulations,” he added.
The BNPB Head also stressed the importance of aligning policies between the central and regional governments and strengthening coordination with relevant institutions, including the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
As an initial step, the BNPB Head said he would consolidate internal efforts to review [existing frameworks while taking swift action to ensure an effective response effort].
“As the newly appointed head, I will first consolidate internal efforts, assess the situation, and act swiftly to implement disaster response measures,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/MEP)
