Indonesia: Officials admit poor disaster management in regions

Jakarta - Indonesian authorities have reported to the Jakarta Post that despite being one of the most vulnerable countries for disasters, most regions in Indonesia remain without a disaster management strategy or preparedness plan. "Disaster management requires urgent attention because Indonesia is the second most vulnerable country in the world in terms of disasters," director of general governance at the Home Ministry Kausar A. Saleh told regional representatives at a seminar on regional disaster management in Jakarta.

According to the official, in 2007 the Indonesian central government established an one year plan to form disaster management agencies in each province of Indonesia. He points out that only six provinces started the establishment of such agencies.