At the end of July 2024, a collaboration between the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Halu Oleo University (UHO), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) successfully conducted a series of education and simulation activities in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, focused on tsunami disaster mitigation. The activities aimed to increase awareness and preparedness among the community, especially elementary school students and village residents, about the threat of tsunamis.
July 21, 2024: Kick-Off and Village Capacity Identification
The collaboration began with a "kick-off" event on July 21, 2024, in Wapia-Pia Village. Prof. Dr. Laode M. Golok Jaya, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UHO, explained that the event aimed to enhance the community's capacity for earthquake and tsunami disasters, particularly in coastal areas that are vulnerable. Dr. Endra Gunawan from ITB added that the village's capacity was assessed to meet UNESCO-IOC indicators for tsunami-ready villages.
July 22, 2024: Tsunami Simulation in Wapia-Pia Village
The first simulation was conducted on July 22, 2024, involving residents of Wapia-Pia Village along with the Wakatobi Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), military, police, and students from various universities. Dr. Rahma Hanifa from BRIN explained that the simulation started with an earthquake scenario, followed by a tsunami warning announced through mosque loudspeakers. Residents then evacuated to SMKN 1 Wangi-Wangi, bringing emergency kits. Wapia-Pia Village Secretary, Mudianto, stated that the event ran smoothly and improved the community's disaster preparedness.
Simulation at SDN 2 Waha, Wangi-Wang
A simulation was also conducted at SDN 2 Waha, Wangi-Wangi, involving hundreds of students from grades 1 to 6. Dr. Endra Gunawan from ITB mentioned that the simulation began with an introduction to natural signs indicating an impending disaster, followed by emergency response actions during an earthquake, and concluded with an evacuation to SMKN 1 Wangi-Wangi. Dr. Rahma Hanifa noted that the students were highly enthusiastic, which is expected to increase their knowledge and readiness for disaster situations.
Conclusion and Future Expectations
The activities not only focused on improving community preparedness for disasters but also strengthened the network among academics and researchers from ITB, UHO, and BRIN. Aulia Oktaviani from BRIN explained that the activities included the implementation of a tsunami evacuation SOP and the formation of a disaster response team in Wapia-Pia Village. The hope is that, through these trainings and simulations, the Wakatobi community will be better prepared to face potential tsunami disasters in the future.
Berita Terkait:
1. rri.co.id: Simulasi Tsunami di Wakatobi Edukasi Antisipasi Kebencanaan
2. rakyatsultra.id: ITB, UHO dan BRIN Lakukan Edukasi Serta Simulasi Tsunami Pertama di Wakatobi
3. kendarinews.com: Fakultas Teknik UHO, ITB dan BRIN Libatkan Warga Gelar Simulasi Tsunami
4. kendarinews.com: ITB, UHO dan BRIN Edukasi Serta Simulasi Tsunami di SDN 2 Waha, Wangi-Wangi
5. kendarinews.com: UHO, ITB dan BRIN Kolaborasi Tingkatkan Kapasitas Masyarakat Terhadap Bencana
Youtube: @DRPM ITB Pendampingan Peningkatan Kapasitas Masyarakat Terhadap Bencana Gempa dan Tsunami di Desa Wapia-pia
