Author: Disaster Map Foundation (Yayasan Peta Bencana)

At the recent UN climate negotiations in Bonn (SB62), talks have been marred by intense standoffs with little clarity on how the world will meet its adaptation goals. Recent discussions at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have failed to finalize the timeline for the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), raising concerns about the availability of timely climate data for policy-making. ​

At a time when global climate science and action faces significant delays, local actors are stepping up to address the accelerating impacts of climate change. Today, we launched Peta Gotong Royong (Mutual Aid Map), a new AI-assisted platform designed to support peer-to-peer disaster relief, empower local action, and close critical gaps in humanitarian response. Built on the trusted foundation of PetaBencana.id — Peta Gotong Royong expands a decade-long commitment to strengthening community resilience through open, accessible technology. 

“Communities must be equipped to act when disaster strikes,” said Nashin Mahtani, Director of Yayasan Peta Bencana. “Peta Gotong Royong builds upon the region’s strong traditions of mutual aid (“gotong royong”) by providing digital tools that match 21st-century challenges.”

Nashin Mahtani, Director of Disaster Map Foundation (Yayasan Peta Bencana) shared a preview of Peta Gotong Royong during the UN Global Platform for DRR in Geneva, where it received wide acclaim on the international stage.

Studies have shown that in the critical hours and days after a disaster, most life-saving actions and immediate aid come from those already on the ground. However, formal disaster response systems often struggle to integrate and support grassroots mutual aid effectively.

During disasters, social media platforms often become critical hubs for coordination and information sharing — but the sheer volume of posts can quickly become overwhelming, making it difficult to verify needs, prioritize responses, and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Peta Gotong Royong responds to these challenges by providing a free, open platform where anyone can report urgent needs, offer assistance, and be matched in real time — all using familiar tools like WhatsApp and mobile browsers. The platform is designed to harness the power of social media—where much of disaster response coordination already happens—and channel it into an organized, structured, actionable system that communities and volunteers can use.

“In times of crisis, it is communities that act as first responders. To build a more resilient Indonesia, we must continue to strengthen and harness the spirit of gotong royong (mutual aid), and one key way is through the use of PetaBencana.id. The risks we face can strike at any moment, and shared community-data through PetaBencana.id  is both a vital contribution and a unique expression of gotong royong (mutual aid). The Mutual Aid Map (Peta Gotong Royong), as the latest initiative of PetaBencana.id, represents an important new form of collective action. Why is it called Gotong Royong (Mutual Aid)? Because it is leaderless, because we are all equal and we all work together to overcome the problems we face in our environments. The importance of this launch is to grow humanitarian support with Peta Gotong Royong by PetaBencana.id,” said Mr. Bambang Surya Putra, Director of Logistics and Equipment Management at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) highlighting the importance of community participation in disaster response efforts. 

Bambang Suryaputra, Director of Logistics and Equipment Management at the National Emergency Management Agency, highlights the importance of community participation via Peta Gotong Royong in disaster response efforts.

According to Indra Kurniawan, Head of the Disaster Management Department of Indonesian Red Cross Bogor 2015-2017 and also a Survivor of the Sukabumi Earthquake 2022,

“As a volunteer and community member who frequently responds directly to disaster sites, I truly understand the importance of fast and accurate information. Peta Gotong Royong by PetaBencana.id serves as a vital bridge—connecting residents, volunteers, communities, and the government—so we can recognize one another, support each other, and act together. It enables all stakeholders to easily identify unmet needs – whether it’s clean water, food, medicine – and respond more effectively. This is an important step forward in strengthening disaster response. I hope this tool continues to be socialized and used not only during disasters, but also in times of need. “

Already tested in early trial phases during the February 2025 floods, the platform demonstrated a 70% faster matching rate compared to conventional social media coordination alone.

“In March 2025, flash floods struck several areas in Padang Sidempuan, North Sumatra. Although I was far away in Deli Serdang, I coordinated with my colleagues from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in Padang Sidempuan to submit a request for assistance through the Peta Gotong Royong feature on PetaBencana.id. A few days later, my request was answered by a donor, and the flood victims were able to receive much-needed basic supplies, such as sanitary products for women.

The Peta Gotong Royong feature is incredibly useful for communities. It allows us to request essential aid for disaster survivors quickly and effectively.

Indeed, PetaBencana.id is a powerful platform—not only for reporting disasters but also for facilitating mutual aid. We’re not just able to ask for help; we can also contribute and support others in need.”

Supriadi, Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Deli Serdang, North Sumatra – Testimonial from a Peta Gotong Royong User

Zahrotul Ulya, Regional Executive Director of the Indonesian Family Planning Association in East Java underscored the importance of increasing community participation in disaster response and recovery. During the official launch event, she said

“Peta Gotong Royong by PetaBencana.id can invite more people to actively participate in providing assistance to those affected by disasters. With its easy access and transparent platform, communities feel more empowered to get involved and contribute meaningfully. The platform provides a tool to request a diverse set of needs including assistance for household needs, babies, children, and so on, providing a significant way to respond to specific needs during disasters.”

Echoing this statement, Al Razi Izzatul Yazid, Humanitarian Division Head of Rumah Zakat Indonesia emphasized the tool’s role in advancing locally-led humanitarian action, stating:

“The Mutual Aid Map (Peta Gotong Royong) by PetaBencana.id  is a vital tool that helps identify urgent needs and empowers local communities, who are always the first responders in times of crisis. By supporting coordination and complementarity in humanitarian efforts, this platform embodies the core humanitarian commitment to effective, locally-led disaster response.”

I Nyoman Suartanu, from the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI), reflected on the cultural and spiritual resonance of the platform:

“Mutual aid is rooted in our humanity—it requires sincerity, volunteerism, and the willingness to rise above ego for the greater good. The latest initiative of PetaBencana.id, with Mutual Aid Map (Peta Gotong Royong), is not just a technological innovation; it is a moral call to unite across faiths and communities in the spirit of shared responsibility. At PHDI, our movement to love life aligns deeply with this initiative, and we are committed to strengthening disaster preparedness through collaboration, compassion, and collective action.”

The alignment with local wisdom was also praised by Yasser Atmanegara, Deputy Secretary of Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center Jakarta, who stated:

“First of all I was very happy that this name was chosen appropriately because this is a technological breakthrough grounded in local wisdom, the spirit of gotong royong. Mutual Aid Map holds great promise as a platform for not only coordination, but collaboration, across organizations, enabling faster, more effective, and more direct aid distribution. It helps cut bureaucracy, supports peer-to-peer response, and becomes a vital record of public participation in disaster response and recovery. This shows how strong our society truly is when we work together.”

As Southeast Asia faces increasing climate risks, initiatives like Peta Gotong Royong demonstrate the potential of AI in enhancing disaster resilience and response. While global climate science navigates political challenges, local communities are taking proactive steps to safeguard their futures.​

The platform also reflects broader trends toward decentralized disaster governance, as recognized in recent ASEAN frameworks on climate resilience. As global political delays threaten to slow global climate science and coordinated international response, innovations like Peta Gotong Royong offer a path forward — one where communities are not waiting for help, but leading the way.

Key Features of Peta Gotong Royong:

• Real-Time Needs Reporting: Affected individuals can report their needs through the platform, allowing anyone to respond with precise and timely assistance.
• Decentralized Matching System: Community members, local organizations, and volunteers can coordinate directly, reducing delays in aid distribution.
• Open Data for Transparency: The platform maintains publicly accessible records of aid requests and fulfillment to enhance accountability and avoid duplication.
• Seamless Integration with Social Media: Designed to work with popular messaging apps, making participation easy and accessible for a broad audience.

Hujan deras dan angin kencang telah menyebabkan banjir di beberapa desa di Sulawesi Selatan sejak Jumat, 7 Februari 2025 (7/02/25). Destinasi wisata populer Bali juga terkena dampak parah, dengan gangguan pada perjalanan darat, laut, dan udara. Air banjir merendam rumah-rumah dan infrastruktur publik, dengan beberapa area mengalami ketinggian air setinggi pinggang. Saat air banjir naik, PetaBencana.id mencatat lonjakan laporan yang dihasilkan komunitas, memungkinkan tim respons darurat untuk bertindak cepat di area yang terdampak.

Laporan yang dikirimkan ke PetaBencana.id dari warga di Kecamatan Turikale, Kecamatan Lau, Kecamatan Bontoa, Kecamatan Mandai, Kecamatan Moncongloe merinci ketinggian banjir yang bervariasi dari mata kaki hingga setinggi pinggang. Berbagi informasi yang dipimpin komunitas melalui PetaBencana.id memainkan peran penting dalam membentuk upaya evakuasi. Laporan komunitas yang terverifikasi memberikan informasi penting kepada tim respons darurat dan relawan untuk segera mengarahkan bantuan ke lokasi yang paling membutuhkannya.

Menanggapi laporan yang diunggah di PetaBencana.id, tim BAZNAS dengan cepat mengerahkan perahu karet untuk mengevakuasi warga di area banjir, meliputi Kecamatan Tanralili, Desa Borong, dan Dusun Ammarrang, Kabupaten Maros.

Jumriah, seorang warga dari Sulawesi Selatan, menggarisbawahi peran partisipasi masyarakat dalam membentuk respons bencana:

“Saat hujan lebat dan angin ekstrem terus melanda daerah kami, PetaBencana.id memungkinkan kami untuk saling mendukung dan memperkuat kesiapsiagaan komunitas dengan menyediakan cara sederhana untuk melihat dan berbagi laporan bencana secara real-time. Menyaksikan respons cepat yang muncul dari laporan yang dibagikan di platform, saya semakin menyadari bahwa mitigasi bencana adalah tugas dan tanggung jawab kita bersama.”

Seiring hujan lebat yang terus berlanjut, PetaBencana.id juga menerima peningkatan laporan yang mendokumentasikan dampak angin ekstrem, dengan insiden pohon tumbang yang menghalangi jalan dan atap rumah yang beterbangan di Kecamatan Simbang, Tanralili, Turikale, Lau, Moncongloe, dan Camba. Data real-time PetaBencana.id memungkinkan pihak berwenang setempat dan relawan untuk dengan cepat mengidentifikasi dan membersihkan jalan yang terblokir, memastikan pergerakan yang aman bagi warga dan responden darurat.

Heavy rain and strong winds have caused flooding in several villages in South Sulawesi since Friday, February 7, 2025 (7/02/25). The popular tourist destination of Bali has also been severely affected, with disruptions to land, sea, and air travel. Floodwaters have inundated homes and public infrastructure, with some areas experiencing water levels reaching waist height. As floodwaters rose, PetaBencana.id, recorded a surge in community-generated reports, enabling emergency response teams to act swiftly in affected areas.

Reports submitted to PetaBencana.id from residents in Turikale District, Lau District, Bontoa District, Mandai District, Moncongloe District detailed flood levels ranging from ankle to waist-high. Community-led information sharing via PetaBenacna.id played an important role in shaping evacuation efforts. Verified community reports provided essential information to emergency response teams and volunteers to immediately direct aid to locations that need it most.

In response to reports posted on PetaBencana.id, BAZNAS teams quickly dispatched rubber boats to evacuate residents in flooded areas of Tanralili District, Borong Village, and Ammarrang Hamlet, Maros Regency.

Jumriah, a resident from South Sulawesi, underscored the role of community participation in shaping disaster response:

“As heavy rains and extreme wind continue to affect our area, PetaBencana.id allows us to support each other and strengthen community preparedness by providing a simple way to view and share disaster reports in real-time. Witnessing the quick response that has emerged from reports shared on the platform, I am increasingly aware that disaster mitigation is our shared duty and responsibility.”

As heavy rains continued, PetaBencana.id also received an increase in reports documenting the impacts of extreme wind, with incidents of fallen trees blocking roads and rooftops being blown off in Simbang, Tanralili, Turikale, Lau, Moncongloe, and Camba Districts. PetaBencana.id’s real-time data enabled local authorities and volunteers to quickly identify and clear blocked roads, ensuring the safe movement of residents and emergency responders.

As 2024 — the hottest year on record — draws to a close, we are reminded that the story of this year is not just one of crisis, but of resistance, care, and possibility. It has been a year of escalating climate impacts, with record-breaking heat and a relentless cascade of disasters worldwide. Yet, in these moments of crisis, we also witness extraordinary ingenuity and solidarity as communities step forward to care for one another. PetaBencana.id and MapaKalamidad.ph were built to support this collective power. By leveraging what communities already know and do best – looking out for one another – these platforms have transformed smartphones and social networks into life-saving infrastructures, shaping systems of care that rise to the challenges of our time.

This year, that transformation took on new dimensions. This year alone:

In 2024, our platforms experienced a 150% increase in resident-submitted disaster reports compared to the previous year. Every disaster report submitted is a reminder that resilience is not a solitary act. It is a neighbor marking a flooded road, a parent warning others of a fire, a community leader sharing critical updates. It is the collective intelligence of millions, brought together in real time to protect what matters most. We have received heart-warming messages from mothers, teachers , youth, emergency managers, responders on what it has meant to collectively participate in disaster risk reduction efforts:

🌀 During Super Typhoon Carina (Typhoon Gaemi) in the Philippines, MapaKalamidad.ph received over 300 typhoon reports within a 36-hour period, and became a key line of communication between communities, local government units, and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) as resident-reports helped shape and guide first response. This year, over 900 humanitarian organizations have been using the data from PetaBencana.id and MapaKalamidad.ph to support response, exemplifying the power of collective intelligence in transforming systems of care. According to Kasbu, emergency manager at the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Rokan Hilir:

🙋Our movement is sustained by the millions of people who share their knowledge, report disasters, support their neighbors, and contribute to building a future rooted in mutual care and collective resilience. A key catalyst for this movement is our network of youth and climate ambassadors, which this year grew to 1330 active ambassadors. We are proud and grateful to work with the next generation of leaders, who continue to demonstrate that even though youth are among the most affected by climate-related disasters, they are also leaders of change in their communities. Supported by our micro-grant programs, their proactive initiatives have collectively trained over 42,174 people in disaster preparedness this year alone. That’s a 350% increase in community-led initiatives compared to last year! 🤩 

⭐We’ve marked some significant milestones this year:

At the start of the year, MapaKalamidad.ph expanded to a multi-hazard mapping platform for all of the Philippines. Less than a month after the launch, residents were already leveraging the newly integrated multi-hazard functionalities during the Earthquake in Caraga. Localizing our open-source software for the Philippines has been a deeply rewarding experience, showcasing how software can serve as vital knowledge infrastructure. By building on our work in Indonesia and sharing both technical tools, as well as strategies and lessons in community research, design, and outreach, we launched a multi-hazard platform in record time. It is a testament to the strength and importance of working on open source solutions for climate adaptation, as well as to the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange among the Global Majority.

In July, we marked a major milestone for climate adaptation with the launch of the first free real-time disaster notification service for all Indonesians. 🚨 This initiative addresses a profound challenge highlighted by the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: the lack of locally-relevant, timely information as a critical barrier to effective climate adaptation. In just five months, over 24,535 notifications have been sent, bridging vital information gaps to help residents stay informed and act quickly. But this service is more than just a technical milestone—it is rooted in an understanding of how people perceive and respond to risk. By designing notifications informed by extensive research across diverse demographics, and integrating local knowledge, we ensure that these notifications translate into meaningful action.🙌 The stories that our communities have shared have reaffirmed that beyond technical platforms, PetaBencana.id and MapaKalamidad.ph are spaces for connection and agency. The collective spirit of gotong-royong in Indonesia and bayanihan in the Philippines, that have been renewed through these challenging times is a testament to the strength of community-led climate adaptation.

Director of Yayasan Peta Bencana, Nashin Mahtani, and KNTI General Chair, Dani Setiawan, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on November 25th, 2024 to formalize the partnership among the two organizations.

We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Union (KNTI) to strengthen coastal and ocean resilience!

According to KNTI General Chair, Dani Setiawan, “Tidal floods are a scourge for coastal communities, especially for coastal women. The presence of tidal floods adds to the burden of coastal women, because in addition to submerging houses and roads, tidal floods also often hinder coastal women from producing processed marine and fishery products. This collobaration with Yayasan Peta Bencana will support KNTI’s members – who are small and traditional fishermen, cultivators, traditional fish farmers, processors and marketers of marine and fishery products – in adapting to climate change.”

At Yayasan Peta Bencana, our mission is to make life-saving disaster information accessible to all. Partnering with KNTI allows us to extend the reach of our platform, PetaBencana.id, to Indonesia’s traditional fishermen, ensuring that those most at risk can make informed decisions during disasters and adapt to a changing climate.

This collaboration is a vital step in addressing the unique challenges faced by Indonesia’s fisher communities, who rely heavily on the ocean for their survival but increasingly face existential threats from environmental degradation and climate change. By leveraging open-source technology and community organizing, Yayasan Peta Bencana and KNTI aim to strengthen disaster preparedness, protect coastal livelihoods, and strengthen safety to oceanic hazards as a result of climate change.

Pada bulan Juli, Indonesia dilanda banjir besar dan kebakaran hutan di saat bersamaan; dengan banjir di Gorontalo yang berdampak pada lebih dari 36.000 penduduk, tanah longsor akibat hujan lebat di Papua Tengah yang berdampak pada 3.265 orang, dan kebakaran hutan di Aceh, Sumatra Selatan, dan Jawa Timur. Menurut Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB), Indonesia mengalami peningkatan 39,39% dalam jumlah bencana alam pada tahun 2023, dengan total 5.940 kejadian dibandingkan dengan 3.544 kejadian pada tahun sebelumnya. Menurut Kepala BNPB, Suharyanto, Indonesia kini mengalami 15-17 bencana setiap harinya.

Bencana terkait iklim telah menjadi semakin sering terjadi dan semakin parah, sehingga menimbulkan tantangan yang signifikan di seluruh negeri. Meskipun peristiwa di atas tidak selalu dapat dicegah, notifikasi bencana dapat secara signifikan mengurangi dampak bencana dengan memungkinkan penduduk dan tim tanggap bencana untuk mengambil tindakan pencegahan yang cepat. Selama bencana, akses ke informasi terbaru sangat penting bagi masyarakat untuk memahami tindakan apa yang dapat dilakukan untuk melindungi diri, keluarga, dan harta benda.

Kantor PBB untuk Pengurangan Risiko Bencana (UNDRR) telah menyoroti bahwa telekomunikasi adalah masa depan sistem peringatan bencana. Ketersediaan dan jangkauan jaringan dan layanan seluler yang terus meningkat, memungkinkan untuk menjangkau masyarakat yang berisiko dan memberikan informasi yang dapat ditindaklanjuti. Sehingga, Indonesia sangat tepat untuk mengadopsi sistem peringatan bencana berbasis layanan seluler, dikarenakan lebih dari 80% penduduknya menggunakan ponsel pintar yang terhubung ke internet, dan koneksi seluler yang setara dengan lebih dari 128% dari total populasi.

Saat ini di Indonesia, kemajuan terbaru dalam teknologi geospasial dan kecerdasan buatan (AI), yang dikombinasikan dengan kekuatan pengetahuan lokal, dimanfaatkan untuk memberikan notifikasi dan informasi bencana yang sedang terjadi secara real-time. Pada tanggal 29 Juli 2024, Yayasan Peta Bencana, dengan dukungan dari USAID, meluncurkan layanan notifikasi bencana real-time pertama untuk semua penduduk di seluruh Indonesia. Layanan notifikasi bencana yang tersedia secara gratis untuk semua penduduk melalui platform seperti WhatsApp ini memberikan notifikasi langsung tentang gempa bumi, banjir, letusan gunung berapi, kebakaran hutan, kabut asap, dan angin kencang, termasuk informasi terkini tentang dampak dari bencana-bencana tersebut yang berubah secara real-time. Notifikasi disesuaikan berdasarkan lokasi geografis, memastikan informasi yang relevan dan terlokalisasi untuk setiap penduduk. Sebagai layanan notifikasi bencana gratis dan real-time pertama di dunia, inovasi ini menunjukkan kepemimpinan Indonesia dalam memajukan teknologi untuk adaptasi iklim.

Alat-alat pendukung keputusan untuk adaptasi iklim selama ini cenderung memusatkan informasi di ruang kontrol, di mana dasbor hanya diakses oleh sekelompok kecil profesional. Akan tetapi, untuk menghadapi tantangan darurat iklim, setiap penduduk harus diberdayakan untuk berpartisipasi dalam upaya adaptasi yang dipimpin oleh masyarakat. Dengan memanfaatkan jaringan ponsel yang kita semua kantongi, kita dapat memastikan bahwa setiap penduduk mendapat informasi dan siap untuk beradaptasi dengan pola cuaca yang semakin tidak menentu. Layanan ini merupakan tonggak penting dalam upaya pengurangan risiko bencana di Indonesia.

Kepala Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) yang juga merupakan Perwakilan Tetap Indonesia untuk Organisasi Meteorologi Dunia (WMO), Dwikorita Karnawati, menekankan bahwa sistem peringatan (notifikasi) bencana harus ditanamkan dan dikomunikasikan dengan cara-cara yang mudah dimengerti dan relevan dengan kebutuhan masyarakat setempat. Menurut Dwikorita Karnawati, keberhasilan sistem peringatan bencana dapat diukur dari berkurangnya “kesenjangan” antara informasi dan kemampuan masyarakat untuk bertindak cepat dan tepat. Menurut Dwikorita Karnawati,

“Perpaduan antara modernisasi alat dan teknologi serta kearifan lokal dapat menjadi langkah yang efektif untuk meminimalisir dampak bencana yang terjadi di Indonesia.”

Layanan notifikasi bencana Yayasan Peta Bencana mengintegrasikan data dari berbagai sumber, termasuk pengamatan penduduk lokal, memanfaatkan pengetahuan yang dimiliki oleh masyarakat, untuk memastikan keakuratan, kecepatan, dan relevansi notifikasi bencana. Seiring dengan meningkatnya frekuensi dan intensitas kejadian cuaca ekstrem, kebutuhan untuk meningkatkan sinergi, komunikasi, dan koordinasi antara berbagai pemangku kepentingan menjadi semakin penting. Seperti yang ditekankan oleh Dwikorita Karnawati, sistem peringatan dini harus berisi informasi yang dapat ditindaklanjuti agar efektif. Untuk itu, BMKG dan Yayasan Peta Bencana telah memulai kemitraan yang bisa dicontoh, dimana sistem informasi kebencanaan dari masing-masing organisasi saling melengkapi, mensinergikan kearifan lokal dengan kemajuan teknologi terkini untuk meningkatkan layanan peringatan dini.

Seiring dengan peringatan BMKG untuk mengantisipasi hujan lebat dan potensi banjir di wilayah timur Indonesia dalam beberapa bulan ke depan, dan di wilayah barat Indonesia untuk mengantisipasi kebakaran hutan di puncak musim kemarau, maka sekarang adalah waktu yang tepat untuk memiliki layanan yang memungkinkan semua orang di Indonesia untuk terus mendapatkan informasi terkini agar tetap aman.

In July, Indonesia has been simultaneously affected by massive flooding and forest fires; with flooding in Gorontalo affecting more than 36,000 residents, landslides as a result of heavy rain in Central Papua affecting 3,265 people, and forest fires in Aceh, Sumatra Selatan, and Jawa Timur. According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Indonesia experienced a 39.39% rise in natural disasters in 2023, with a total of 5,940 events compared to 3,544 the previous year. According to Head of BNPB, Suharyanto, Indonesia now experiences 15-17 disasters every day. 

Climate-related disasters have become increasingly frequent and severe, posing significant challenges across the country. While extreme weather events cannot always be prevented, immediate alerts can significantly reduce the impact of disasters by allowing residents and response teams to take swift preventive measures. During a disaster, access to the most up-to-date information is critical for communities to understand what actions can be taken to protect themselves, their families, and their properties. 

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has highlighted that telecommunications are the future of disaster warning systems. The growing availability and reach of mobile networks and services in particular, make it possible to reach communities at risk and provide people with actionable information. Indonesia is particularly suited to adopt mobile networks for disaster warning systems, with over 80% of the population utilizing internet-connected smartphones, and mobile connections equivalent to over 128% of the total population. 

Today in Indonesia, the latest advancements in geospatial technology and AI, combined with the strength of local knowledge, are now being leveraged to deliver real-time notifications and information about ongoing disasters. On July 29th, 2024, Yayasan Peta Bencana, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), publicly launched the first real-time disaster notification service for all residents across Indonesia. The disaster notification service, freely available to all residents through common messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, provides immediate notifications about earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, haze, and extreme wind, including the most up-to-date information about impacts of these disasters as they change in real-time. The notifications are customized based on geographic location, ensuring relevant, localized information for every resident. As the first free, real-time disaster notification service in the world, the innovation demonstrates the leadership of Indonesia in advancing tech for climate adaptation. 

Decision support tools for climate adaptation have tended to concentrate information in control rooms, where dashboards are only accessed by small groups of professionals. However, to meet the challenges of the climate emergency, every single resident must be empowered to participate in community-led adaptation efforts. By leveraging the network of mobile phones that we all carry in our pockets, we can ensure that every resident is informed and prepared to adapt to increasingly erratic weather patterns. This service represents a major milestone for disaster risk reduction in Indonesia.

Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), also the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the World Meteorological Organization – Dwikorita Karnawati, has emphasized that disaster warning systems must be embedded and communicated in ways that are easy to understand, and relevant to the needs of local communities. According to Dwikorita Karnawati, the success of disaster warning systems can be measured by a reduction in the “gap” between information and the community’s ability to act quickly and appropriately. According to Dwikorita Karnawati,

“The combination of modernization of tools and technology and local wisdom can be an effective step to minimize the impact of disasters that occur in Indonesia.”

Yayasan Peta Bencana’s disaster notification service integrates data from multiple sources, including local resident observations, leveraging the tacit knowledge of communities, in order to ensure the accuracy, immediacy, and relevance of disaster notifications. As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, the need for improved synergy, communication, and coordination between multiple stakeholders is more critical than ever. As Dwikorita Karnawati highlights, warning systems must contain actionable information in order to be effective. To this end, BMKG and Yayasan Peta Bencana have embarked on an exemplary partnership, with each organization’s disaster information systems feeding into eachother, synergizing local wisdom with the latest advancements in technology to improve warning services. 

As BMKG warns eastern parts of Indonesia to anticipate heavy rain and potential flooding in the coming months, and western parts of Indonesia to anticipate forest fires in the peak of the dry season, it is more timely than ever to have a service that enables all Indonesians to stay informed on the most up-to-date situations to stay safe. 

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Pada 5 Maret 2024, Direktur Yayasan Peta Bencana, Nashin Mahtani, bertemu dengan Direktur Jenderal SENA, Jorge Eduardo Londoño Ulloa, yang juga mantan Senator Kolombia, di kantor SENA. Pertemuan ini bertujuan untuk membahas kolaborasi inovatif dalam ketahanan bencana. Pertemuan ini menandai langkah penting dalam pertukaran pengetahuan dan solidaritas antar negara-negara Selatan, seiring upaya kami untuk berbagi dan mengadaptasi platform pemetaan bencana real-time PetaBencana agar dapat digunakan di Kolombia.

On March 5, 2024, Director of the Disaster Map Foundation, Nashin Mahtani, met with the Director General of SENA, Jorge Eduardo Londoño Ulloa, former Senator of Colombia, at the SENA office to discuss a groundbreaking collaboration in disaster resilience. This meeting marks an important step in South-South knowledge exchange and solidarity, as we work to share and adapt PetaBencana’s real-time disaster mapping platform for use in Colombia.

Sekilas, inilah yang kami capai bersama tahun ini:

• 533 organisasi menggunakan data dari platform kami;
• 853 Duta Pemuda & Iklim terdaftar;
• 24.402 Individu terlatih;
• Peningkatan aktivitas platform sebesar 26.000% selama peristiwa bencana;
• 171.972.349 pengguna terlibat.

Awal tahun ini menandai tonggak penting bagi Yayasan Peta Bencana, dengan diluncurkannya Chatbot Kemanusiaan WhatsApp Pertama! Mengingat 83% dari 171 juta pengguna internet di Indonesia menggunakan WhatsApp, peluncuran DisasterBot di aplikasi yang paling banyak digunakan di Indonesia ini merupakan tonggak signifikan untuk meningkatkan keterlibatan komunitas dalam upaya pengurangan risiko bencana dan pemulihan.

Pada tahun 2023, dengan lebih dari 2.200 peristiwa bencana yang tercatat di Indonesia, berbagi informasi berbasis komunitas melalui PetaBencana.id dan MapaKalamidad.ph terus membentuk respons bencana karena jutaan pengguna mengakses platform untuk berkoordinasi demi keselamatan dan respons. Selama erupsi Gunung Merapi pada Maret 2023, laporan warga yang merinci amplitudo, arah, jarak, dan durasi aliran piroklastik membantu komunitas di area sekitar untuk bernavigasi dengan aman. Selama gempa bumi Juni 2023 di Yogyakarta, warga saling menginformasikan tentang jalan yang tidak dapat diakses dan bangunan yang rusak untuk menghindari area berbahaya, sementara responden pertama berbagi pembaruan tentang upaya penyelamatan, pemulihan, dan pembangunan kembali.

Tahun ini, kami menyadari bahwa warga semakin banyak menggunakan PetaBencana.id untuk mengoordinasikan distribusi sumber daya, misalnya dalam mendirikan dapur umum komunitas. Lebih dari sekadar alat berbagi informasi bencana, PetaBencana.id dan MapaKalamidad.ph telah menjadi alat untuk koordinasi peer-to-peer dalam skala besar. Kami terus melihat bahwa dalam waktu segera setelah bencana, tetangga selalu menjadi yang pertama saling membantu. Dengan membuat informasi risiko dapat diakses, terbuka, dan dapat ditindaklanjuti, PetaBencana.id dan MapaKalamidad.ph mengatasi kesenjangan informasi, mengurangi kesenjangan, dan memastikan bahwa semua warga memiliki kesempatan untuk melindungi diri dan komunitas mereka selama bencana. Menempatkan kekuatan data di tangan komunitas mendorong pendekatan kolektif dan proaktif terhadap pengurangan risiko bencana dan adaptasi iklim. Untuk lebih mendukung bentuk-bentuk bantuan timbal balik ini, kami sekarang mempelopori fase utama berikutnya dari pengembangan perangkat lunak kami; fitur “logistik kerumunan” yang didedikasikan untuk mendukung koordinasi sumber daya dan logistik di tingkat komunitas. Nantikan rilisnya di tahun baru!

PetaBencana.id dan MapaKalamidad.ph terus mendukung beberapa organisasi untuk perencanaan dan respons darurat, membantu responden pertama dan lembaga pemerintah untuk merespons dengan lebih cepat dan efektif, termasuk di badan manajemen darurat nasional – BNPB dan Office of Civil Defense. Pelacakan kebutuhan kemanusiaan melalui laporan warga yang dibuat melalui media sosial dan melalui sistem Chatbot Kemanusiaan kami memungkinkan manajer bencana dan lembaga pemerintah untuk melihat, berbagi, dan merespons laporan-laporan ini dengan resolusi dan kecepatan yang belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya. Menurut Theophilus Yanuarto, Pejabat Humas di Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) Indonesia:

“PetaBencana.id menyediakan informasi penting bagi publik untuk mendukung respons tingkat komunitas dan meningkatkan kesadaran publik tentang risiko bencana, respons, dan pemulihan. Data crowdsourced di PetaBencana.id membantu manajer darurat di BNPB merespons bencana secara efektif. Sangat penting untuk meningkatkan partisipasi publik dalam berbagi informasi bencana untuk mengurangi risiko bagi bangsa secara keseluruhan.”

Di masa meningkatnya peristiwa cuaca ekstrem, berbagi informasi melalui data terbuka dan API terbuka menjadi lebih vital dari sebelumnya untuk memungkinkan pengambilan keputusan yang terkoordinasi di semua lembaga dan jaringan. Di Indonesia, Badan Meteorologi (BMKG), terus memanfaatkan aliran data terbuka kami dan memanfaatkan laporan bencana real-time yang dikirimkan ke PetaBencana.id untuk meningkatkan dan memvalidasi Prakiraan Berbasis Dampak dari lembaga tersebut. Informasi crowd-sourced yang dikumpulkan oleh PetaBencana.id berfungsi sebagai “kebenaran lapangan” untuk model prediksi BMKG, menyediakan granularitas dan informasi hyper-lokal untuk melengkapi dan memperkaya gambaran umum lembaga tentang pola cuaca.

Di Filipina, kami telah bekerja dengan komunitas yang terdampak bencana, ilmuwan, jurnalis, manajer darurat, responden pertama, akademisi, lembaga bantuan, dan berbagai ahli untuk secara kolektif memperluas platform MapaKalamidad.ph dari peta banjir real-time menjadi peta multi-hazard real-time. Desain bersama dan pengintegrasian pengetahuan lokal ke dalam alat PRB terus menjadi dasar semua pekerjaan kami; kami terinspirasi oleh antusiasme warga Filipina untuk membangun alat adaptasi bersama, untuk satu sama lain.

Kami dengan gembira mengumumkan bahwa pada Januari tahun baru, MapaKalamidad.ph akan diluncurkan sebagai platform pemetaan bencana multi-hazard untuk seluruh Filipina! Nantikan pembaruan selanjutnya!

Kami terus meningkatkan pendaftaran ke program duta iklim pemuda dan komunitas kami, dengan sekarang 853 duta aktif. Kami bangga dan bersyukur dapat bekerja sama dengan pemimpin generasi berikutnya, yang terus menunjukkan bahwa meskipun kaum muda adalah yang paling terdampak oleh bencana terkait iklim, mereka juga adalah pemimpin perubahan di komunitas mereka. Melalui dukungan program hibah mikro kami dan inisiatif proaktif mereka, duta pemuda dan komunitas kami secara kolektif telah melatih lebih dari 12.615 orang dalam kesiapsiagaan bencana tahun ini saja. Dari memulai kegiatan mulai dari pengurangan risiko psikologis pasca-bencana, hingga pembersihan pantai, hingga pelatihan pertolongan pertama, hingga memobilisasi komitmen pemerintah daerah terhadap kesiapsiagaan pemuda, kami terharu melihat cara-cara para pemimpin muda membangun komunitas yang lebih kuat melalui tindakan yang tertanam secara kontekstual yang berasal dari pengalaman hidup dan keprihatinan. Menurut duta pemuda Arindra Unigraha,

“PetaBencana.id memiliki dampak signifikan pada generasi muda di Indonesia, terutama dalam meningkatkan agensi, keterlibatan, dan kesadaran pemuda tentang pengurangan risiko bencana. Ini adalah pengetahuan dan dukungan yang biasanya tidak kami terima di sekolah atau di tingkat kota – tetapi kesenjangan itu kini diisi oleh Yayasan Peta Bencana.”

Di luar Asia Tenggara, tahun ini perangkat lunak open source kami diperluas untuk mendukung komunitas di Asia Selatan dan Amerika Latin. Dengan UNDP, kami menjalankan uji coba yang sukses di Panama, di mana platform pelaporan real-time menerima beberapa laporan penting hanya dalam minggu pertama rilisnya. Kami juga dengan gembira mengumumkan kemitraan kami dengan re:arc institute untuk inisiatif “SouthxSouthEast Asia” kami, menuju pengembangan platform pemetaan banjir real-time untuk Pakistan. Setelah banjir dahsyat pada tahun 2022 yang memengaruhi 33 juta penduduk, tim kami dari Indonesia dan Filipina berkolaborasi untuk mendukung penerapan alat pendukung keputusan berbasis komunitas untuk Pakistan; ini adalah bukti kekuatan perangkat lunak open-source dalam membina pertukaran lateral di antara Mayoritas Global, memajukan bentuk-bentuk adaptasi iklim yang lebih demokratis. Semangat kolektif gotong royong di Indonesia, bayanihan di Filipina, dan bantuan timbal balik secara global, yang telah diperbarui melalui masa-masa sulit ini adalah bukti kekuatan adaptasi iklim yang dipimpin komunitas. Kami berterima kasih atas peran Anda dalam membangun komunitas yang mengesankan ini, dan kami berharap dapat terus bekerja sama untuk #BersamaKurangiRisiko di kawasan ini, dan di luar itu.