The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) is taking no chances, pre-positioning disaster relief supplies across six urban villages in Seribu Islands. This proactive move ensures that residents’ bare necessities are met in a heartbeat when disaster strikes, especially in remote island areas where transport can be a tough nut to crack.

Seribu Islands BPBD Task Force Head, Mansyah confirmed that the supplies—shipped through Marina Ancol Pier 11—include bottled water and biscuits for immediate relief.

"Having supplies on tap at the local level means we can hit the ground running with initial response while waiting for secondary aid to arrive," he expressed, Thursday (2/12).

He explained that each urban village has received 100 cases of bottled mineral water and 100 tins of biscuits. These relief supplies will be kept at the ready as emergency stockpiles, managed directly by local ward administrations.

Beyond the distribution of aid, the BPBD is also coordinating with local officials to ensure human resources are up to par. This includes streamlining communication protocols and logistics mechanisms to ensure that, should a disaster strike, relief efforts can hit the ground running.

"We hope the public understands the vital importance of being prepared. While the government is paving the way by providing logistics, active community participation is essential to ensure our disaster response is firing on all cylinders," he explained.

Pari Island Urban Village Head, Yusuf tipped his hat to BPBD Jakarta for their unwavering support in bolstering disaster preparedness across the region.

"This logistical aid is a game-changer for our initial emergency response. Having these supplies on hand provides the community with much-needed peace of mind," he remarked.

He noted that due to the geographical nature of the Seribu Islands, which is frequently in the line of fire for tidal floods and waterspouts, early preparedness is of the essence.

He further urged residents to keep a weather eye out, especially with the threat of extreme weather looming, and to prioritize their families' safety. Locals are encouraged to blow the whistle on any potential hazards by reporting them immediately to local authorities.

"Hopefully, this synergy continues to go from strength to strength. By working hand in glove, the BPBD, local administrations, and the public can ensure that disaster management in our islands remains swift, effective, and seamless," he concluded.