BNPB, AHA Center Cooperate To Anticipate Disasters In ASEAN

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinating Center (AHA Center) have been cooperating to raise public awareness against disasters in ASEAN countries, according to BNPB Chief Willem Rampangilei.

"The cooperation is very important for Indonesia to always develop its disaster mitigation capacity as it has ample experience in addressing different types of disasters that have struck ASEAN countries," Rampangilei stated during the signing of the cooperation document here on Tuesday.

He noted that the cooperation, in which Indonesia is the host country and AHA Center is the facilitator among ASEAN countries with regard to disaster mitigation, is focused on the implementation of the "One ASEAN One Response" vision.

Rampangilei said the cooperation was aimed at intensifying disaster mitigation efforts in a bid to reduce the number of victims, refugees, and material losses.

Since its establishment in 2011, the AHA Center has been coordinating with the disaster mitigation agency in each ASEAN country and developing solidarity in responding to disasters, both with the affected nation and the country lending assistance.

Indonesia is also serious and has demonstrated its commitment in terms of disaster mitigation by facilitating the AHA Center in opening its office at the BNPB Center. (WDY)