Jakarta, 27 November 2013 — UNFPA, the United Nations Populations Fund, has worked with BPS-Statistics Indonesia and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to develop a robust Population Baseline Data System that will bolster the capacity of national and sub-national authorities to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.
A data-sharing agreement signed in February 2013 by BPS and BNPB has paved the way for the innovative use of population data to strengthen Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Plan. The project combines the National 2010 Population Census with the 2011 Village Potential Survey (PODES) to identify population vulnerabilities and local capabilities to respond when disasters strike.
The findings of a national study in June 2012 cosponsored by UNFPA, BNPB, and BPS, revealed that over 97% of the Indonesian population lives in an area with “very high risk” of natural disaster. Indonesia, which sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” at the intersection of the Pacific, Indo-Australian, and Eurasian tectonic plates, is particularly prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
A Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) Pilot Survey has been conducted in Padang City, West Sumatra, to obtain a clear and complete picture of the population in disaster-prone areas and the services available in those communities, including their preparedness and response capacities. This information will be used to develop targeted disaster risk reduction plans.
“It is necessary for governments agencies and NGOs who are responding to humanitarian crises to understand the vulnerabilities of affected populations in order to deploy the most effective response,” said Mr. Jose Ferraris, UNFPA Representative in Indonesia.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Food Program (WFP) and UNFPA has developed a Provincial Infographic for Preparedness and Emergency Response in Indonesia, which will also be launched at the national seminar. Mr. Rajan Gengaje, Head of UNOCHA-Indonesia said that the project will help humanitarian actors in prioritizing needs and contextualizing their assistances.
BNBP has already utilized the Population Baseline Data System following this week’s eruption of Mt Sinabung in North Sumatra. The data has shown that 21 villages affected with total number of population of 20,270 or 5263 households. The vulnerable groups consist of 2327 infants and 1711 aged people. BNPB has been able to identify affected services like schools and health centers, and can plan evacuation facilities accordingly.
The availability of accurate, readily available data is a cornerstone of effective humanitarian operations, ranging in application from disaster preparedness and conflict prevention to emergency relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction processes.
The memorandum of understanding between BPS and BNPB covers the provision and use of socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and historical disaster information. Seven other agencies joined the memorandum of understanding, including the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Child Protection, Ministry of Research and Technology, and the Ministry of Public Works.***
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Rosilawati Anggraini
National Programme Officer on Humanitarian
United Nations Population Fund
7th Floor Menara Thamrin, Jl M.H. Thamrin, Kav 3
Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone: +62-21-3141308, ext 325
Email: anggraini@unfpa.org
Tags: humanitarian
