Disasters are natural phenomena that cannot be avoided. Natural disasters also inflict many casualties and loss of property as well as damage to infrastructure that disrupts life, especially the welfare of a community that has been planned and built by the government and the people of the community itself. Therefore, a disaster should be treated as a joint matter, not just the task of the government or certain institutions.

This was stated by the Deputy for the Coordination of Social Vulnerability and Disaster Impacts, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Maj. Gen. (ret) Dody Usodo Hargo, S.IP., MM, in the opening of the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) National Work Meeting on Friday (31/1) at the AR Building. Fachruddin B UMY Integrated Campus.

“Disasters are a joint affair. Disaster management is not only the responsibility of the government but it also requires the support of various parties such as academics, the business world, the media, and the community,” said Dody when delivering a speech representing the Coordinating Minister for PMK Muhadjir Effendi.

In addition, to manage sustainable disaster management, Dody stated it is necessary to approach the strengthening of disasters through regional or region based strategies. This includes increasing the capacity of the apparatus and the community, teaching the public about disasters, and increasing cooperation and partnerships between national and international actors.

Furthermore Doddy also said that in the context of facing disasters in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah has always been present as a social organization that builds capacity and institutional networks, and contributes to disaster management through MDMC. “The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture supports the MDMC initiative which encourages Indonesia to be more involved in humanitarian missions, including global disasters. It also supports Indonesia’s soft diplomacy in the international arena,” he added. (id)