Lawmaker Calls for Unified Disaster Mitigation System

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The disaster mitigation efforts currently carried out by various agencies need to be strengthened through institutional integration so that coordination, directives, and resource utilization can operate under a unified command.

Deputy Speaker of Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Syaiful Huda, stated that such integration is a crucial for improving the effectiveness of disaster mitigation, from emergency response to post-disaster recovery.

"I believe that institutional integration must be consolidated so that a unified command structure can function effectively," said Syaiful Huda at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that institutional integration is a key proposal emerging within Commission V, and that a single authority would allow disaster mitigation to be more organized.

Indonesia's high disaster risk highlights critical need for coordination in mitigate disasters. Past experience shows that effective coordination among different agencies is vital to utilize available resources efficiently.

Beyond coordination and command, he believes disaster-related budgets should also be integrated within a single institution. These funds could then be allocated to relevant agencies based on their specific duties and functions.

He is convinced that establishing an agency with sole authority would strengthen budgetary support, enabling effective responses to emergencies and the execution of post-disaster recovery processes.

"This ensures that resources are not limited to the emergency response phase alone but continue to support the restoration of public services and infrastructure to their pre-disaster state," he said.

Nevertheless, Syaiful emphasized the need for the government to establish a dedicated disaster budget funds, specifically reserved for disasters and not diverted to other purposes. He argued that such a scheme is essential to ensure disaster mitigation goes beyond short-term responses and guarantees the sustainability of recovery efforts.

Syaiful stated that Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) has coordinated with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The aim is to ensure a rapid response for affected communities while strengthening disaster mitigation and information dissemination.

He said a prompt response is vital in disaster mitigation. He praised Basarnas for its speed in carrying out rescue and evacuation operations.

"We are pleased that the Basarnas team was highly agile and quick in conducting rescue operations, allowing us to effectively carry out the necessary response, including investigation, mitigation, and above all, evacuation of those directly affected," he said. ***