Klaten, Ekuatorial – To monitor volcanic activities of Mount Merapi, four Operation Control Center will be built in Klaten of Central Java, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, head of Data and Information of National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), on Thursday (26/2), in Klaten, Central Java.
The centers will be equipped with 24 hours monitoring system using cameras installed in Mount Merapi. These cameras will monitored all activities, starting from lava flow to evacuation route. The center would also have communication and information system connected to central office of BNPB in Jakarta. In addition, the center could also access data from other agencies, including meteorology agency and other disaster mitigation agencies.
“Indonesia has only four international standard Operating Control Centers. One of them is Klaten,” said Nugroho citing three more centers owned by Boyolali, Magelang and Sleman regional disaster mitigation agency (BPBD). From the total of 431 BPBD, only 88 BPBD are equipped with Operating Control Center but with minimum standards.
Meanwhile, Sri Winoto, head of Klaten BPBD said that they have also conducted disaster mitigation training in the district, including set up Disaster Preparedness School (SSB) from early school to high school levels. The school is meant to increase knowledge and awareness related to anticipation and reducing natural disaster risks as most of these schools located in slopes of Mount Merapi.
“Klaten BPBD had established 40 schools in 2015 with coordination with Klaten Education Agency,” said Winoto. “We are encouraging people’s participation for disaster mitigation, such as training for volunteers who are not just evacuating but also other social activities, for example trauma healing and psycho social.”
Furthermore, he said that they also gave disaster mitigation training to hospital, such as Manisrenggo Hospital. “Hospital is very vital during disaster so it’s very important to increase their ability to be alert during crisis moments,” said Winoto.Bramantyo