Banda Aceh, the capital of the Aceh province in Indonesia, has recently seen the launch of a technical guide for the development of disaster-resilient places of worship. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) introduced this curriculum for training facilitators as a crucial step in reducing disaster risks in the region.
During the launch event in Banda Aceh, Deputy Prevention of BNPB, Prasinta Dewi, emphasized the importance of this technical guide in enhancing community preparedness for disasters. The guide, developed in collaboration with Islamic Relief Indonesia, involved various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs, academics, practitioners, religious and humanitarian organizations.
Prasinta highlighted that places of worship are vital structures that need to be resilient, alongside homes, schools, hospitals, markets, office buildings, and other strategic locations. She emphasized that building disaster-resilient places of worship goes beyond just the physical structure; it also involves social and environmental aspects. This means that worshippers must understand how to respond in case of a disaster.
The focus is not only on the building itself but also on empowering the community to reduce disaster risks. Prasinta explained that the common risks of disasters often result from building collapses, and it is essential to anticipate and educate communities on self-rescue measures gradually.
Places of worship hold a special place in society as they serve not only as places of worship but also as centers for social activities, education, and even shelters during disasters. Therefore, it is crucial to build them as centers of resilience, protecting worshippers and empowering the community to mitigate disaster risks.
The technical guide for developing disaster-resilient places of worship is part of BNPB’s efforts to support disaster risk reduction at the community level, with a cultural and religious approach embedded in places of worship. The guide aims to enhance community preparedness and strengthen coordination among various stakeholders in effectively and qualitatively addressing disaster risks.
Prasinta added that this guide also serves as an inspiration for religious leaders and the wider community to collaborate continuously in facing disaster threats. The collaboration between stakeholders in developing this guide has resulted in concrete steps towards achieving the shared goal of creating disaster-resilient communities.
The launch of this technical guide marks a significant milestone in disaster risk reduction efforts in Banda Aceh and sets a precedent for other regions to follow suit. By prioritizing the resilience of places of worship, communities can better prepare and respond to disasters, ultimately creating safer and more secure environments for all residents.
As Banda Aceh continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, initiatives like the technical guide for disaster-resilient places of worship play a crucial role in building a more resilient and disaster-ready community. The collaboration and commitment of various stakeholders in this endeavor demonstrate the collective effort towards creating a safer and more secure future for all.