Indonesia has been identified as the second-most disaster-prone country in the world, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB). This disaster risk stands to intensify significantly in the face of progressive climate change impacts.

Deputy for Prevention at BNPB, Prasinta Dewi, reported that Indonesia scored 43.5 out of a possible 100 in the 2023 World Risk Report (WRR), placing it just below the Philippines which scored 46.86 out of 100.

"Indonesia ranks second out of 193 countries in the WRR 2023," Dewi was quoted by Antara news agency. The disaster risk index assesses the level of disaster risk based on hazard components, exposure levels, and community capacity to face disasters.

Dewi emphasized that a community's preparedness plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of disasters. "Therefore, communities must have the ability to survive and rebuild their lives after a disaster or what is called build back better," Dewi stated.

Dewi added that disaster preparedness needs to be fostered from an early stage so that the ability to face sudden disasters is more refined. Notably, Indonesia's geographical location at the convergence of two oceans and continents makes it particularly vulnerable to disasters such as floods, landslides, extreme weather, high waves, and erosion.

Dewi called on the public to participate in the success of the Disaster Preparedness Day 2024 activities on April 26, 2024, by sounding drums, bells, or sirens at 10 am local time.

Disaster Preparedness Day, observed since 2017, focuses this year on Padang, West Sumatra, and includes participation from 17 provinces, 30 districts/cities, and 180 villages/wards under the Indonesia Disaster Resilience Initiatives Project program.

"Let's recognize disaster threats, understand disaster risks, and enhance disaster awareness culture," Dewi urged.