UNS – In an effort to enhance community preparedness and resilience against disasters, Group 178 of the Student Community Service (KKN) program from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta organized a Disaster Mitigation Socialization and the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (Forum Pengurangan Risiko Bencana, or FPRB) in Singopadu Village, Sidoharjo District, Sragen Regency. This event is part of the UNS Disaster-Themed KKN Program for the July – August 2024 period.
“The disaster-themed KKN program reflects UNS’s commitment to actively contributing to disaster risk reduction and the development of disaster-resilient villages,” Dr. Agung Hidayat, M.Sc., a field supervisor and lecturer of the UNS Graduate School, stated.
The socialization, held on August 12, 2024, was attended by village officials, community leaders, and local residents who participated enthusiastically. The presentation covered various types of potential disasters in the Singopadu area, mitigation steps that can be taken, and the importance of active community involvement in reducing disaster risks.
Archika Fadhilah Sausan, the Chief Organizer of the Disaster Mitigation Socialization, emphasized that the main goal of the event was to raise awareness and preparedness among the residents of Singopadu Village. “We aim to ensure that every resident has the basic knowledge and skills to handle emergency situations in this village. This way, the people of Singopadu Village can protect themselves and their surroundings,” Archika explained.
In addition to the socialization, the event also marked the initiation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FPRB) by KKN Group 178. The group facilitated the entire process, from socialization to the election of members and the development of a work program that the forum will implement in Singopadu Village. The FPRB is designed to coordinate disaster mitigation and response efforts at the village level, serving as a platform for the community to actively participate in planning and executing activities aimed at reducing disaster risks.
Alfan Umar, the Head of KKN Group 178 UNS, noted that this initiative is part of the broader effort to support the government’s program to create Disaster-Resilient Villages. “We hope that through this socialization and the establishment of the FPRB, the residents of Singopadu Village will become more prepared and resilient in facing various disaster threats. With the FPRB, the community will also be able to coordinate more effectively in disaster mitigation and response efforts,” Alfan stated.
Heru Tarwoco, the Head of Singopadu Village, expressed his deep appreciation for the initiative and support provided by KKN Group 178. “We are very grateful for the attention and assistance from the KKN 178 students. This is an important step for Singopadu Village to become more resilient in the face of disasters. We will continue to support programs like this for the safety and well-being of our residents,” Heru said.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and a disaster response simulation involving all participants. The simulation was designed to provide hands-on experience to the community in dealing with emergency situations, enabling them to act swiftly and correctly when disasters occur.
“Through this activity, it is hoped that Singopadu Village will serve as a model for other villages in Sragen Regency in building disaster resilience and strengthening the community’s role in ensuring collective safety,” Heru concluded.
HUMAS UNS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
