JAKARTA -— For 28 years, Dompet Dhuafa has been actively involved in handling humanitarian and disaster cases. On its 29th anniversary, Saturday (July 2, 2022), Dompet Dhuafa carried the theme #KolaborAksiBangunNegeri (Collaborate to Build the Country). In addition, Parni Hadi, as the Initiator and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation, formulated a trilogy as the concept of this Islamic philanthropic institution. Namely, Building Villages, Overcoming Urban Poverty, and Being Prepared to Face Urban Disasters.
Two days later, on Monday (July 4, 2022), Dompet Dhuafa held a celebration for its 29th anniversary at the parking lot of the Dompet Dhuafa Philanthropy Building in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. On this occasion, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) was also present to appreciate the humanitarian work of Dompet Dhuafa’s administrators and volunteers. At the same time, Dompet Dhuafa and BNPB agreed to collaborate to improve disaster management in urban areas. This is referred to as UDM (Urban Disaster Management).
BNPB Deputy for Prevention Prasinta Dewi and Dompet Dhuafa Director of Cultural Outreach and Community Services Ahmad Shonhaji, along with Dompet Dhuafa Director of Business & Operations Support Prima Hadi Putra, signed the UDM cooperation agreement. This collaboration agreement was witnessed by the Initiator and Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation Advisory Board, Parni Hadi, and the Director of Preparedness at BNPB, Pangarso Suryotomo. Not only that, the entire management, directors, general managers, senior officers, employees, volunteers of Dompet Dhuafa, and even the amil-amil of Dompet Dhuafa in all domestic and overseas branches also witnessed this extraordinary idea.
Shortly after the signing, Prasinta Dewi expressed her appreciation to Dompet Dhuafa, especially the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center program unit, for its dedication to humanity and disaster management. She emphasized that disasters are the responsibility of all parties, including the central government, regional governments, ministries, institutions, entrepreneurs, academics, NGOs, and stakeholders.
Everyone must ensure that disaster risk management is a shared responsibility. “We express our appreciation to Dompet Dhuafa, especially the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center, which continues to be active in disaster management programs, from disaster mitigation, during disasters, to post-disasters.
Disaster risk management is a shared responsibility so that the risk of disasters and the loss of lives, livelihoods, health, and economic, social, and cultural assets owned by individuals, businesses, communities, and the state can be substantially reduced,” he explained.
Ahmad Shonhaji added that many people are flocking to cities. Urban areas are now increasingly crowded, so the potential for disasters in urban areas is higher. He described the condition of urban communities with the term Pak Kumis, which stands for Padat Kumuh dan Miskin (Crowded, Slum, and Poor). Poverty and limited knowledge among the community will have an impact on various kinds of disasters, not only natural disasters.
There are three things that Dompet Dhuafa will do in accordance with the trilogy that has been initiated. The first is to develop tourist villages so that villages can grow and become attractive to the community again. Second, addressing poverty and social inequality in cities. Third, mitigating urban disasters through Dompet Dhuafa’s DMC unit program, which will always work hand in hand with BNPB.
“This is where DMC plays a role alongside Dompet Dhuafa in addressing urban poverty. Today, in commemoration of DD’s 29th anniversary, #KolaborAksiUntukNegeri, we are taking action to alleviate urban poverty,” he said. (Dompet Dhuafa / Muthohar)