Indonesian private sector embraces disaster risk reduction in introductory course
In February 2023, more than 120 participants from the private sector in Indonesia attended a disaster risk reduction course, delivered by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Office for Northeast Asia & Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR ONEA GETI) in partnership with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The course focused on enabling businesses to learn about the significance of investing in resilience and addressing disaster risks while considering the needs of employees, customers, suppliers, and communities.
The course introduced participants to trends and concepts in disaster risk reduction, including risk, hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities, and triggers such as climate change and urbanization. Given the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in Indonesia, the course focused on the impact of disasters on the business sector emphasizing the importance of investing in resilience and disaster risk management that goes beyond contingency planning.
Thus, participants were encouraged to take a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, incorporating it into their business operations and strategies. To embark on this process, the course encouraged businesses to consider the specific vulnerabilities and needs of employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. By doing so, businesses can ensure that their disaster risk reduction efforts are effective, sustainable, and inclusive. These concepts were reinforced by practices and insights from various countries, including Indonesia. Both successful and failed practices were showcased because they can serve as valuable lessons.
The training program was enriched by the participation of experts from various organizations, such as the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB), KADIN, and UNDRR. The speakers, including Dr. Raditya Jati, Deputy Head of BNPB for System and Strategy, and Ms. Suryani Motik, Head of the Division for Social Affairs and Disaster Management at KADIN, shared valuable insights and lessons learned. The sessions were skillfully moderated by Mr. Sanjaya Bhatia, Head of UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute, and Mr. Alf Ivar Blikberg, Programme Management Officer at UNDRR. Additionally, Mr. Harimula Muharam, Product GM at PT Eigerindo MPI from Indonesia, shared his experience and knowledge, contributing to the success of the program.
Overall, the course was well-received by participants, who appreciated the practical insights and recommendations provided. Many expressed their commitment to implementing disaster risk reduction strategies within their organizations and working collaboratively with other stakeholders to build resilient communities. This course is an important step towards building disaster-resilient businesses in Indonesia and highlights the role that the private sector can play in supporting disaster risk reduction efforts.
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Learn more about United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Office for Northeast Asia and Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR ONEA-GETI)
Learn more about KADIN (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry)