BNPB Respects MK Ruling on Disaster Status Determination

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) respects Constitutional Court (MK) Ruling No. 261/PUU-XXIII/2025 concerning the determination of national and regional disaster statuses. BNPB Acting Head of the Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Berton SP Panjaitan said the ruling, delivered on Friday, 28 August 2026, provides greater clarity on the mechanism for determining whether a disaster should be classified as national or regional.

“The ruling provides clarity on how the government determines disaster status, whether at the national or regional level,” Berton said in a written statement issued by BNPB in Jakarta on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

He explained that five indicators have been considered in determining disaster status: the number of casualties, property losses, damage to facilities and infrastructure, the affected area, and the social and economic impacts. Under the ruling, not all five indicators are required to be met.

For a disaster to be designated as a national disaster, at least three of the five indicators must be met, with the number of casualties serving as a key indicator. Berton said determining disaster status is an important state decision and therefore must be based on accurate data and actual conditions on the ground.

BNPB will continue to strengthen rapid assessments, data collection, impact analysis, and assessments of regional capacity as inputs for the government in making decisions. BNPB also emphasized that a national disaster designation is not the only basis for the central government to provide assistance to affected regions.

“The central government can still deploy personnel, equipment, logistics, funding, and technical support according to needs and within its authority,” he said.

Berton stressed that disasters not designated as national disasters can still receive assistance from the central government. He said the top priority is ensuring that affected communities receive immediate protection, rescue efforts, basic necessities, services, and recovery assistance.

BNPB will next conduct a comprehensive review of the Constitutional Court’s ruling and adjust the necessary guidelines and procedures in coordination with ministries, government agencies, and regional governments in accordance with their respective authorities. BNPB will also strengthen coordination to ensure that disaster assessment and data collection are carried out consistently, transparently, and accountably.

“The ruling reaffirms that protecting public safety is the primary goal of disaster management. The response must be swift while remaining grounded in clear legal principles,” Berton said.