Prabowo's Major Disaster Mitigation Investment Needs Paradigm Shift

The large-scale disaster mitigation investment plan proposed by Prabowo Subianto for the next administration is drawing attention as it could significantly impact disaster risk management in Indonesia. However, experts point out that for this plan to be truly effective, it requires not only substantial financial investment but also a fundamental shift in the paradigm of disaster management. Indonesia's geographical location makes it constantly vulnerable to various natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. While efforts have been made to strengthen hardware aspects like infrastructure development and early warning systems based on past disaster experiences, these are not sufficient on their own. A change in mindset is needed towards rapid and accurate response during disasters, swift support for victims, and, above all, preventive measures to avert or minimize damage. Prabowo's proposed investment holds the potential to address these challenges. However, its realization necessitates a transition to a more integrated and preventive approach involving government agencies, local governments, private companies, and local communities working in unison. Specific measures include improving the accuracy of disaster risk assessments, reflecting these in land-use planning, thoroughly educating local residents on disaster preparedness, and ensuring transparency and efficiency in the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction processes. Merely investing without fostering a culture where every citizen is aware of and acts on disaster preparedness will lead to the realization of sustainable security.