WEST NUSA TENGGARA — Protecting the coastline from the threat of erosion and minimizing the impact of climate change, which is becoming increasingly apparent, is the main focus of the Disaster Management Center (DMC) Dompet Dhuafa in commemorating Disaster Preparedness Day (HKB) 2025. On Friday (April 25, 2025), DMC Dompet Dhuafa planted 200 hardwood trees along Loang Baloq Beach in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, as part of its contribution to environmental conservation and coastal resilience.
This tree-planting initiative is part of a series of activities organized by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) for HKB 2025, which is centered on Lombok Island. Through its participation, DMC Dompet Dhuafa reaffirms its commitment to raising public awareness and preparedness for disaster risks, while also strengthening nature-based mitigation efforts.
Shofa Qudus, Head of DMC Dompet Dhuafa, stated that DMC’s participation in HKB 2025 is a concrete manifestation of its humanitarian mission, which is not only responsive but also preventive.
“Planting trees is a symbol of our seriousness in fostering a culture of preparedness from an early stage. Preparedness begins with simple steps like planting trees, whose impacts will be felt in the long term,” Shofa explained.
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In addition to tree planting, DMC Dompet Dhuafa also provided water stations for participants of the HKB Run, which took place in the Loang Baloq Beach area. This facility was supported by the Mobile Kitchen (Darling) from the Community Service Agency (LPM) Dompet Dhuafa, which supplied drinking water and nutritious snacks.
Other activities include earthquake disaster simulation drills at two schools: Assyafi’iyah in Pemenang Village and At-Tahzib in Kekait Village, West Lombok. These drills, conducted simultaneously across Indonesia, aim to educate students and teachers on self-evacuation procedures during an earthquake.
Furthermore, DMC Dompet Dhuafa installed disaster risk reduction signs at three strategic locations: Assyafi’iyah School, At-Tahzib Foundation, and Medana Village in Tanjung District, North Lombok. These signs include evacuation gathering points, evacuation routes, safe zones, and other features designed to enhance local community preparedness.
On the event’s climax, Saturday (April 26, 2025), DMC opened an educational booth showcasing rescue equipment such as water rescue gear, vertical rescue tools, and other supporting devices. The booth served as an interactive space for the community to learn more about various emergency response methods.
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The following day, Sunday (April 27, 2025), DMC held a roundtable discussion with national humanitarian and disaster management agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). With the theme “Reflecting on the Role of Humanitarian Agencies in Earthquake Disaster Response,” the discussion served as a platform for sharing experiences and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
Through all activities during HKB 2025 Lombok, DMC Dompet Dhuafa once again emphasized the strategic role of humanitarian organizations in fostering a sustainable disaster preparedness culture. Because #EarthIsOurHome, it’s time for us all to #EmpowerNow. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar, DMC
Editor: Dhika