LPPM IPB Holds Discussion about the Best Method to Rehabilitate and Reconstruct Lombok

Transdisciplinary Approach (TDA) is one of the most important things to accelerate the recovnery of Lombok after the earthquake that hit it on early August. Cooperation between institutions and discpilines is expected to accelerate the recovery of earthquake victims. This step became the urgency of Institute of Research and Community Centre (LPPM) Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) to hold a discussion with stakeholders in related fields to devise rehabilitation and reconstruction (RR) plan which will be driven by IPB.

After the government declared the transition period in Lombok, even though earthquakes are still happening in small scales, recovery process has to be prepared. The readiness was manifested by the creation of joint guidelines which became the basis of program execution and initiated with inter-unit coordination. RR plan coordination, which was held in Executive Development Training Center (EDTC) room, Research Center of Coast and Sea Resource (PKSPL), IPB Baranangsiang campus (27/8), was attended by the Director of Utilization of Coastal Space and Small Islands, Ministry of Marine and Fisheries (Dir. PPK KKP) Republic of Indonesia (RI), Dr Balok Budiyanto, Prof. Euis Sunarti from IPB Disaster Research Center, Erik Syamsul Rizal from IPB Alumni Association’s Social Department and Dr. Zulhamsyah Imran from SEAMEO BIOTROP.

Besides that, the discussion was also attended by the Head of PKSPL IPB, Dr Ario Damar, Dr Ahmad Faqih from LPPM IPB and guided by Dr Yonvitner as the Head of LPPM IPB Head of Disaster Research Center. PKSPL IPB, represented by the Head of Public Relation Division, Amril R. Rangkuti shared the PKSPL’s experience in Aceh post-tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction process. According to him, recovery program may not be instant, because it needs inter-sector coordination, which will involve many parties.

Afterwards, Dir. PPK KKP RI explained several matters related to natural disaster pattern in small islands that often occurs. Dr Balok explained that people from small islands oftentimes are not ready to face disasters. “For that reason, it is important for us to emphasize about the adaptability by preparing other needs. Moreover, each island that is different from the environment has to prepare standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidelines in coast mitigation measure,” he said.

Prof Dr Euis Sunarti, besides explaining many things about disaster institutions’ roles, also explained the strategic side about IPB engagement in RR process in Lombok. As an involved party, IPB has to be keen in determining its capacity and the needs in disaster areas. “We have to avoid miscommunications between the need and the help that we send. Moreover, it is better for us to fill in the strategic spaces which haven’t been filled by other institutions. The strategic spaces include food, nutrition, education, and guidance in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries in small islands,” she added.

Then, Dr Zulhamsyah explained about the importance of phasing in post-disaster treatments. They include the emergency response in the form of facilization in organization of planning documents in village and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) level, mental therapy (healing and spiritual powers), primary needs supply, local formal and informal institutions consolidation, teamwork building in village or inter-village level, technical guidance, cash for work, child education reconstruction coordination institution.

The discussion that was held for half a day was also attended by the representative of Animal Science Faculty, that explained about the importance in safeguarding livestocks from disturbances and stress. Representative from Family and Consumer Science Department was also present to explain about Mobil Anti Galau program, Child Development Clinic, and Trauma Centre.

Also present was the representatives from Care LPPM IPB, IPB Student Executive Body (BEM) and from Disaster Response Student (Mantab). Mantab is the student element which will be driven to take part in various humanity programs, including natural disasters. (Ard)