Safety Brings Conformity

By: Kresensia Risna Efrieno.          

Have we ever realized the basic need of human life, namely security for life sustainability? Has it ever come to mind about the safety of the place we live in? Have we ever been aware of everything that threatens our lives? How far do we know the conditions of the buildings we visit and how safe are the public facilities we use? 

Of course, the awareness of this matter needs to be honed, therefore Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta through the 'Resilient Infrastructure' program gathered young students in the discussion "Do We Ready to Face Disasters" at Stube HEMAT Secretariat (Wednesday, April 19, 2023). This activity introduced participants to the importance of having awareness of the concept of proper and safe buildings/infrastructure. In addition, to explore the preparedness of participants in facing disasters, especially in vulnerable areas, where they live.

Resource person, Rogatianus Anang Setiyargo, S.T. started the discussion by inviting participants to share their experiences of disaster. Here, the participants described some experiences of disaster, such as experiencing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides in their area. Then, he guided the participants to identify Indonesia with any disasters that damage the existing buildings and infrastructures. Furthermore, the participants listened to his experiences how to carry out post-disaster housing reconstruction in several regions in Indonesia. A solid place to live is one of the things that must be considered, starting from the building structure, the availability of materials, and the community's readiness to maintain the infrastructure.

The participants have more knowledge after listening to additional explanations from Ir. Hero Darmawanta, M.T., one of the Stube HEMAT boards, revealed regional conditions or characteristics that influence the concept of infrastructure development. "The construction of a strong building depends on the soil characteristics of each region and of course, it varies for each region," he explained. The threat of disasters in the Special Region of Yogyakarta includes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, drought, high waves and abrasion, flash floods, tsunamis, and liquefaction. One can study the data from the Land and Spatial Planning Office in the province or regency to find out the characteristics of the land in each area in detail. This discussion became more interesting when participants enthusiastically asked questions and shared the circumstances and conditions of their area.

The students’ readiness and sensitivity of disasters, as young people are very important to see the conditions around them, including the safety of buildings where personal and joint activities are. Through this meeting, participants are expected to be able to see the threat of disaster in their areas and know the concept of what kind of buildings can be built based on the ground characteristics, and adapt to these threats because strong infrastructure will create a sense of safety and peace. ***