Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said disaster mitigation is a crucial step to reduce risks and impacts of natural disasters while strengthening community preparedness.
“In addition to physical readiness, the public is also reminded to remain alert to disaster-related hoaxes and misinformation that often emerge during emergency situations,” BNPB Head Suharyanto said in a press release received here on Saturday.
According to Suharyanto, disaster mitigation refers to a series of planned efforts carried out before disasters occur to suppress potential loss of life and material damage.
“Mitigation includes understanding disaster risks in each area, recognizing types of threats, and preparing to face emergency conditions,” he said.
He explained the urgency of mitigation is reflected in Indonesia’s high disaster frequency, with the agency recording 3,116 disaster events nationwide throughout 2025, dominated by hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, extreme weather, and landslides.
“These disasters caused 1,492 deaths, 272 people missing, 7,751 injured, and millions of residents affected and displaced, while also inflicting significant damage on settlements and infrastructure,” he said.
The agency encouraged the public to understand potential hazards in their surroundings, including floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
“Basic mitigation steps include preparing a family evacuation plan, identifying evacuation routes and safe assembly points, and understanding actions required before, during, and after a disaster,” he said.
Beyond physical mitigation, information preparedness is also a concern, as disaster-related hoaxes and misinformation frequently circulate through social media and chain messages, particularly during disasters.
“Inaccurate information can trigger panic, lead the public to make wrong decisions, and hinder evacuation and disaster response efforts,” he said.
