In an effort to raise public awareness of fire risks in densely populated areas, the Community Service and Empowerment Team from the Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), introduced an innovative educational approach through the game “Evaku Aksi.”

Held on Saturday (September 13) at RW 09, Manggarai, Tebet, South Jakarta, the activity targeted areas highly vulnerable to fire and involved 50 residents from various age groups. In this event, the educational game “Evaku Aksi” took center stage as an interactive and enjoyable learning medium, while also being rich in disaster mitigation content.

The game “Evaku Aksi,” developed by a team of FMIPA UI students, adapts the concept of snakes and ladders and is equipped with cards containing questions and scenarios related to fire incidents, such as evacuation procedures, causes of fire, and prevention measures. Through this gamification approach, education becomes more accessible to residents from diverse age groups and educational backgrounds.

“Through Evaku Aksi, residents learn actively and enjoyably. This is not just a game, but a participatory educational medium that can strengthen community preparedness,” said Prof. Dr. Dewi Susiloningtyas, S.Si, M.Si, Head of the FMIPA UI Community Service Team.

This game was part of three main activity series: spatial knowledge education, the “Evaku Aksi” game session, and a fire-handling simulation. In the education session, residents were introduced to maps of fire-prone areas, evacuation routes, and the locations of firefighting facilities such as hydrants. Afterwards, the “Evaku Aksi” game reinforced these materials through a more practical and enjoyable method.

The event was opened by the Head of Manggarai Subdistrict, Muhamad Arafat Dinsirat, S.Sos, who expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between academics and the community in enhancing disaster literacy.

“Our area is highly vulnerable to fires, and we greatly need this kind of education. The presence of the team from FMIPA UI represents a real collaboration between the academic world and the community,” he stated.

As the highlight of the event, residents took part in a fire extinguishing simulation with the South Jakarta Fire Department. Residents of RW 09 were trained to use portable fire extinguishers (APAR), as well as traditional extinguishing techniques, which for most participants was their first experience.

In addition to Prof. Dewi, the community service team also involved lecturers and alumni of the Department of Geography, FMIPA UI: Ratri Candra Restuti, S.Si, M.Hum, and Miftahul Jannah, S.Si, as well as ten students who contributed to media design, education, and activity implementation: Adinda Putri Kinanti Sembahen, Aisya Rajwa Balqisecha, Sarah Naomi Khairunnisa, Kolbilal Salsya Rusalbi, Mu’amar Khadafi, Risky Marchel Tanjung, Andhika Prastya, Amirah Nayla Dinar Susena, Muhamad Danar Pridana, and Satrio Karita Putra.

The entire series of activities was collaboratively designed to build a community that is more risk-aware and responsive to fires, while also strengthening the role of geography in real life.

“It is our hope that Evaku Aksi can continue to be used by residents as well as other institutions as a tool for sustainable education,” concluded Prof. Dewi.

Through the active involvement of students and a game-based educational concept, this activity serves as a concrete example of impactful community service, while also reinforcing the role of geography in disaster mitigation efforts.