RRI.CO.ID. Jakarta - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture started the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the Yogyakarta Earthquake with a visit to SMAN 1 Kalasan, Sleman. This activity is part of the Disaster-Safe Education Unit (SPAB) program to foster disaster preparedness in schools.

The 20th anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping collective memory alive and improving readiness for future disaster risks. The event also supports the flagship “Kita Tangguh” program, which brings together the government, academics, businesses, media, and the community through a pentahelix approach.

On the first day, students, teachers, local government officials, and disaster volunteers took part in SPAB education at SMAN 1 Kalasan. The topics included building a culture of disaster resilience, earthquake risks, evacuation procedures, and how to report incidents through the Jogja Digdaya platform.

Andre Notohamijoyo, Assistant Deputy for Disaster Risk Reduction at Kemenko PMK, said that schools play an important role in building preparedness among students, teachers, and staff. He explained that disaster education should be included in the curriculum and extracurricular activities to build a culture of preparedness from an early age. “Through SPAB, we are protecting schools today and preparing a generation that is strong and responsive to disaster risks,” he said.

Support also came from PT Taman Wisata Candi Prambanan and Ratu Boko. Operations Director Indung Purwita Jati confirmed the company’s commitment to helping with disaster training and education for school communities. SMAN 1 Kalasan is the 10th school to receive training from PT TWC.

The event included a disaster preparedness simulation, a discussion to evaluate the SPAB program, and awards for groups that actively support the program in Yogyakarta. Herdiana, Head of the General Bureau at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and representative of the National SPAB Secretariat, stressed that strengthening disaster education in schools is a real step toward building a generation ready to face disasters.

This activity is the result of cooperation between The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture and PT TWC, as well as collaboration with local stakeholders such as the Yogyakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Yogyakarta Education Office, and the district government.