Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management

Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management
Agency name	Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana
Native name	Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana
Formed	2008
Preceding1	Bakornas PBP
Jurisdiction	Republic of Indonesia
Headquarters	Jakarta
Chief1 name	(Chair)
Parent agency	Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs

Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management is the national authority responsible for coordinating disaster risk reduction, emergency response, recovery, and mitigation across the Republic of Indonesia. It operates at the intersection of national policy, regional administrations, scientific agencies, and international organizations to manage hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. The agency integrates efforts from ministries, local governments, research institutions, and humanitarian actors to implement Indonesia’s disaster management system.

History

The institution evolved from earlier bodies including the National Coordinating Agency for Disaster Management predecessors that responded to major events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, and recurrent eruptions of Mount Merapi. Public and political momentum following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and policy debates in the People's Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives (Indonesia) catalyzed legislative reform. The transition involved coordination with the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Indonesia), and the Ministry of Health (Indonesia) to institutionalize a dedicated disaster authority. Engagements with international bodies including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank influenced capacity building and organizational design.

Legal Framework and Mandate

The agency’s mandate is defined by landmark statutes and executive instruments such as the Law on Disaster Management (2007) and subsequent presidential regulations issued by the President of Indonesia. Its legal basis clarifies roles vis-à-vis the Ministry of Defense (Indonesia), the National Police of Indonesia, and regional administrations such as provincial governments in Aceh, Central Sulawesi, and West Java. The mandate aligns with international instruments including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and bilateral cooperation agreements with states like Japan, Australia, and United States agencies including the United States Agency for International Development. Oversight relationships involve the Ministry of Finance (Indonesia) for budgeting and the Audit Board of Indonesia for accountability.

Organization and Structure

The organization comprises a central secretariat in Jakarta and regional offices in provinces like North Sumatra and Bali, coordinating with local disaster management agencies such as those in Jakarta Special Capital Region and East Nusa Tenggara. Its leadership includes a chair appointed by the President of Indonesia, supported by deputies overseeing operations, rehabilitation, preparedness, and mitigation. Specialist units liaise with scientific bodies like the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), and the Geological Agency (Indonesia). The agency integrates logistics from state-owned enterprises such as Pertamina and transport coordination with Angkasa Pura I and State Railway Company (Kereta Api Indonesia). Legal, communications, and international liaison offices maintain links with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Indonesia) and civil society networks including the Indonesian Red Cross Society.

Functions and Operations

Core functions encompass early warning dissemination in partnership with the BMKG and operational coordination during incidents like tsunamis affecting Banda Aceh, volcanic crises at Mount Sinabung, and flood seasons impacting Jakarta floodplain. Operational protocols align with standards from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and coordination mechanisms used by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The agency manages emergency logistics, search and rescue coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), and public health responses with the Ministry of Health (Indonesia) and the World Health Organization. It maintains situational awareness through data sharing with academic partners such as Institut Teknologi Bandung and Bogor Agricultural University.

Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Programs

Preparedness initiatives include community-based programs in rural districts of Lampung and urban risk reduction projects in Surabaya and Jakarta, developed with technical support from Japan International Cooperation Agency, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the United Nations Development Programme. Risk mapping uses inputs from the Geological Agency (Indonesia), the Hydrology and Water Resources Agency, and satellite data providers collaborating with European Space Agency partners. School safety programs reference curricula promoted by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Indonesia) and international guidelines such as those from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Mitigation investments coordinate with infrastructure agencies like the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (Indonesia) on flood control and coastal defenses.

Emergency Response and Recovery

Emergency responses have included multiagency operations for events such as the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami and eruption responses at Mount Agung. The board coordinates relief clusters with actors including UNICEF, International Committee of the Red Cross, and non-governmental organizations such as Mercy Corps and Save the Children. Recovery phases involve reconstruction financing partnerships with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and legal instruments administered through the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas)]. Rehabilitation programs address housing, livelihoods, and psychosocial services linked to institutions like the Ministry of Social Affairs (Indonesia).

International Cooperation and Partnerships

The agency engages in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with partners including Japan International Cooperation Agency, United States Agency for International Development, Australian Civil-Military Centre, and regional platforms such as the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). It participates in exercises with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and technical exchanges with the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction networks. Collaborative research involves universities like University of Indonesia and global centers such as the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Capacity-building partnerships extend to humanitarian organizations including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and donor institutions such as the Asian Development Bank.

Category:Disaster management in Indonesia