G20 momentum to show Bali's disaster risk preparedness: Official

We are building a joint awareness that disaster mitigation attempts are not only the work of the government alone, but our shared responsibility

The G20 Summit has provided an opportunity to showcase the preparedness of the Bali provincial government to host the event, including disaster risk reduction (DRR) implementation, Bali Deputy Governor Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati said.

"The event should be used as a momentum to show the international community that attempts to reduce disaster risk and increase disaster mitigation capacity in Bali are being carried out to support the implementation of the G20 (Summit)," he said in his remarks, which were delivered by the assistant for government and welfare to the Bali Regional Secretariat I Gede Indra Dewa Putra.

At the inauguration of Month of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Bangli district on Friday, the deputy governor noted that the province had a high risk of disaster.

A study conducted by the provincial government found that almost all kinds of disasters had the potential to occur in Bali.

"Considering the potential threats of disasters which may occur in Bali, hence, strengthening disaster mitigation regulations, local wisdom-based disaster risk reduction, collaboration, and the use of technology are the main pillars to reduce the disaster risk in Bali," the deputy governor added.

Hence, synergy from all stakeholders is required to bolster disaster preparedness in the province, he emphasized.

"Thus, the Disaster Risk Reduction Month, which is observed every October, is expected to be able to gather all parties to synergize in our joint efforts to reduce disaster risk," he remarked.

Furthermore, considering the devastating impact of disasters, the investment in DRR activities should be carried out massively, sustainably, and inclusively, Sukawati said.

"We are building a joint awareness that disaster mitigation attempts are not only the work of the government alone, but our shared responsibility. Hence, (the implementation of) disaster risk reduction efforts requires a strong commitment from all (parties)," he added.

Meanwhile, deputy for emergency mitigation at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Major General Fajar Setyawan, said that disaster risk reduction must become the backbone of disaster mitigation.

“Reducing disaster risk is our collective duty and our shared commitment, thus we can minimize the risks amid a disaster," he added.

The G20 Summit is scheduled to take place in Nusa Dua, Bali, on November 15–16, 2022.