- ANTARA/Akbar Nugroho Gumay
VIVAnews - Australia and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) today formed a new partnership to ensure the the long-term safety of residents living around Mount Merapi.
The world class Yogyakarta-based university therefore will receive A$1.2 million from the Australia Indonesia Facility Disaster Reduction (AIFDR) to enhance existing preparedness, rehabilitation and reconstruction programs.
“Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, so we need to do all we can to ensure the safety of those who wish to live in the area ,” said AIFDR co-director, Matt Hayne, in his statement to VIVAnews. A A$350,000 research grant being announced today by the Australian government marks the beginning of this partnership.
This new research project will seek a better understanding of local knowledge, belief systems and ways of life in 30 villages in the Yogyakarta and Central Java, with findings used to guide future preparedness strategy and livelihood recovery plans.
“Volcanoes are incredibly difficult to plan for and devastating, as families lose loved ones and communities are displaced,” said Hayne.
“It is important we continue to prepare for future eruptions. A comprehensive preparedness strategy has to acknowledge, understand and use the generations of experience that local communities have from living with Mt Merapi for so long,” added Dr. Hayne.
UGM’s head of anthropology, Nicolas Warouw, believes this project will bridge the gap between the government and victims of Mount Merapi.
“Findings garnered will share locally-evolved strategies regarding mitigation, evacuation, reconstruction and recovery with governments,” said Warouw.
“This partnership is not only designed to increase government understanding of local communities, but will also contribute to larger and more comprehensive social and economic studies designed to influence policy dialogue,” added Warouw.
Harapan Prabowo Jelang Penetapan Presiden-Wakil Presiden Terpilih 2024 di KPU
Prabowo Subianto memberikan pernyataannya menjelang penetapan dirinya sebagai Presiden terpilih 2024 di Komisi Pemilihan Umum Republik Indonesia (KPU RI) hari ini.
