Depok, May 4, 2026 – Indonesia continues to face a high level of disaster vulnerability. According to data from the , more than 4,700 disaster incidents were recorded across Indonesia throughout 2025. This condition serves as an important reminder of the need to strengthen mitigation systems and improve public preparedness literacy from an early age, particularly in areas prone to hydrometeorological and geological disasters.
In response to these conditions, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), together with , launched a collaborative initiative titled When Knowledge Meets Readiness. The program targets 5,000 elementary school students in disaster-prone areas across Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi through a technology- and visual-based educational approach, with the aim of strengthening disaster awareness and preparedness from an early age.
The initiative is part of the themed “When Knowledge Meets Readiness,” which was held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Aula Prof. Dr. Ir. Soemantri Brodjonegoro, FMIPA UI, Depok.
The forum was attended by students from the Geology and Geophysics Study Programs of FMIPA UI, along with stakeholders from academic institutions, industry, and disaster management agencies. The event reaffirmed FMIPA UI’s role as a center for the development of earth sciences that not only focuses on academic studies, but also on making tangible contributions to disaster mitigation efforts within society.
The Vice Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Anom Bowolaksono, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of collaboration between different sectors in building sustainable disaster preparedness. “Collaboration between academics, industry, and disaster management institutions is very important. Scientific knowledge should not stop in the classroom, but must be turned into real action,” said Prof. Anom.
Meanwhile, the President Director of , Hendrick Halim, emphasized the importance of fast and effective emergency warning and communication systems, especially in educational environments. He stated that disaster literacy should lead to practical preparedness that can be applied in real situations, not just understood in theory.
“As a communication solutions company, we understand the importance of fast and effective emergency warning systems in educational environments, and we hope that disaster literacy will truly be implemented in real preparedness, not just understood,” he said.
During the presentation session, Trevi Jayanti Puspasari, S.Si., M.Si., representing the , explained the characteristics of disaster risks in Indonesia, which are still dominated by hydrometeorological disasters. Meanwhile, Asri Oktavioni Indraswari, S.T., M.Sc., D.Phil. presented research findings from the CREDO-Landslide and CREDO-Volcano projects, while also highlighting the gap between the high level of public awareness and the level of preparedness that still needs improvement. She also emphasized the effectiveness of animation media in disaster education.
Meanwhile, Clara Dinny presented the development of technology-based early warning systems. During the session, an educational animated video titled was shown, along with a simulation of an automatic warning system from as part of the implementation of an early warning system.
The event concluded with an interactive session featuring quizzes and discussions. The animation-based educational approach received positive appreciation because it was considered easier for the public to understand. The closing ceremony was marked by the presentation of plaques by Dr. Eng. Supriyanto to the speakers, followed by a group documentation session.
Through this event, FMIPA UI strengthened its role as an academic institution that not only focuses on the development of science, but also on bridging research, industry, and community needs in building a culture of preparedness based on science, technology, and sustainable education.
