Semarang, July 25, 2024 – A research paper titled “Disaster Management by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Addressing Floods in Semarang City” highlights how BPBD Semarang manages flood disasters through various disaster management stages, namely pre-disaster, during the disaster, and post-disaster phases. This research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative method, with interviews involving BPBD staff as key informants.

In the pre-disaster phase, BPBD Semarang implements disaster mitigation by establishing Kelurahan Siaga Bencana (Disaster Preparedness Villages) and Kelurahan Tangguh Bencana (Disaster Resilient Villages). These programs involve the community, local government apparatus, and disaster volunteers to enhance preparedness in dealing with floods. However, the study identified shortcomings in the development of contingency plans and a need to increase public awareness.

During the disaster phase, BPBD faced various challenges, particularly in logistics and emergency personnel. Emergency response actions included rescuing and evacuating victims, meeting basic needs, and restoring vital infrastructure. However, the implementation of this emergency response was often hampered by limited resources and suboptimal coordination.

In the post-disaster phase, BPBD Semarang focused on rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts to restore the affected community and infrastructure. Although recovery efforts were made, the study found that rehabilitation targets were often off the mark and required improvement to be more effective. These efforts included restoring public services and rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the floods.

Source: Mahardika, D., & Setianingsih, E. L. (2018). Manajemen Bencana oleh Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD) dalam Menanggulangi Banjir di Kota Semarang. Journal of Public Policy and Management Review, 7(2), 502-518.

About the Author:

This research was written by Prof. Dr. Endang Larasati Setianingsih, M.S., a professor in the Department of Public Administration. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Universitas Diponegoro, her Master’s degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada, and her Doctorate from Universitas Diponegoro. Prof. Endang teaches in the Doctoral Program in Public Administration, with her primary course being Public Sector Management.