Bali, August 7, 2024 – High waves accompanied by strong winds occurred for approximately two hours in Banyubiru Village and surrounding areas. This caused significant damage to several buildings, including residential houses, and resulted in casualties. The most severely affected area was Banjar Pebuahan, where several homes and a kindergarten building were heavily damaged. It is estimated that 10 houses were severely damaged, one school building was moderately damaged, and 40 residents were affected. The latest information reported that two people were swept away by the current, and four others suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe.
The information above is part of the scenario in a large-scale disaster simulation in Banyubiru Village, involving the participation of the entire local community. The simulation was designed to respond to a high-wave disaster scenario predicted to occur around 2:00 PM WITA, accompanied by strong winds that could last 2-3 hours. At the initial stage of the simulation, participants prepared the necessary tools and materials.
Advisory to move away from the beach and head to safer assembly points. (Photo: Ni Luh Putu Ekayanti, One of the participants of KKN-PPM UNUD Period XXIX 2024 at Banyubiru Village)
As the disaster scenario unfolded, the community carried on with their regular activities until they received information from BMKG regarding the threat of high waves. This information was disseminated by the Village Head and the Community Disaster Response Group (KMPB) using handheld radios and loudspeakers. When the high waves began, the community was instructed to avoid the coastal areas and seek higher ground. The first aid and evacuation team provided immediate assistance in the residential areas, while the early warning team sounded gongs and sirens to warn others. After the waves receded, the community was directed to emergency shelters, where evacuation and initial data collection processes were conducted to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected residents.
Local residents taking refuge at the evacuation shelter. (Photo: PhoNi Luh Putu Ekayanti, / One of the participants of KKN-PPM UNUD Period XXIX 2024 at Banyubiru Village)
In the face of increasingly evident climate change, preparedness for natural disasters is an issue that cannot be ignored. IDEP Foundation Selaras Alam organized this disaster simulation in Banyubiru Village, Jembrana Regency, Bali, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. The aim of the event is to strengthen the community’s resilience to the risks posed by high waves, which often threaten Bali’s coastal areas.
Banyubiru Village, with its stunning natural beauty, carries potential disaster risks that require serious attention. High waves that can strike at any time present a real threat to the safety and livelihood of the community. Therefore, this disaster simulation was designed to raise awareness and enhance the community’s preparedness for emergency situations.
This activity is part of the DREAMS program (Disaster Resilience through Education on Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies), managed by the IDEP Foundation. In this program, we collaborated with various parties, including the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Jembrana Regency, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of Jembrana, Basarnas, and various organizations such as BPBD of Jembrana, Jembrana Social Services, Puskesmas I Negara, BMKG Negara Climatology Station, the Water and Air Police of Jembrana Police, RAPI Jembrana, PMI Jembrana, and BPBD Gianyar. The support from these various parties demonstrates the importance of cooperation in building community resilience.
The simulation began with a briefing on the disaster scenario, which was developed through focus group discussions with stakeholders. Following this, the residents of Banyubiru Village participated in tabletop exercises, where they learned the necessary steps to take during a disaster. The highlight of the event was the high-wave disaster simulation, which involved the entire community, including the Banyubiru Village KMPB, village officials, and teachers.
“High waves pose a threat according to the participatory risk assessment conducted in Banyubiru Village, alongside the village authorities and the Banyubiru Village Community Disaster Response Group (KMPB). Therefore, this simulation is a response to the potential impact of high waves. This is part of a broader effort to strengthen capacity in disaster-prone areas, such as Banyubiru Village, where the risk is quite high,” explained Putu Suryawan Nadi, Program Coordinator of IDEP Foundation.
Evacuation of victims stranded at sea. (Photo: Lutfia Nurul / IDEP)
The main participants in this event were the Banyubiru Village Community Disaster Response Group (KMPB), which has received intensive training and mentoring from IDEP Foundation since March 2024. Banyubiru’s KMPB has undergone various stages of training and preparation, and this disaster simulation is the final activity before the program’s completion. It is hoped that with the knowledge and skills they have acquired, the KMPB of Banyubiru will serve as the front line in disaster response for their village.
“The training and mentoring activities from IDEP, which have been conducted for approximately six months, ranging from the formation of KMPB, disaster risk identification and mapping, to climate-adaptive livelihood training and today’s simulation, have been extremely beneficial. We hope that in the future, not only will the group be able to apply what they have learned, but the broader community will also understand the ways to respond to disasters, thus minimizing the impact of disasters around us,” said I Komang Yuhartono, Village Head of Banyubiru.
In this simulation, the community experienced firsthand how to handle emergency situations, evacuations, and self-rescue actions. This training is expected to leave a lasting impression on all participants, making them better prepared if a real disaster occurs. The simulation also served as a test of coordination between agencies and organizations in disaster response.
IDEP Foundation Selaras Alam is committed to continuing its support and strengthening the resilience of Bali’s communities against disasters. We believe that with the right education and training, communities will be more prepared and resilient in the face of disaster threats.
Article: Nicolaus Sulistyo © IDEP Foundation
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