LEBAK, BANTEN —-— The atmosphere along the coast of Sukamanah Village, Malingping Sub-district, Lebak Regency, Banten, looked different on Monday and Tuesday (22–23 June 26). Instead of the usual fishing activities, dozens of residents were enthusiastically taking part in disaster self-rescue training. Dompet Dhuafa, through its Disaster Management Centre (DMC), organised a Capacity-Building Training session for the local Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FPRB) as well as nearby residents.
A total of 30 participants were seen earnestly practising first-aid techniques and water rescue simulations right on the shoreline. It wasn’t just theory; they were also given the chance to experience first-hand how to act swiftly when an emergency arises—a vital skill, given the village’s location directly facing the sea.
This training was held in Sukamanah Village for a very good reason. This coastal area is one of the regions at high risk of earthquakes and tsunamis, and is even highly vulnerable to a megathrust earthquake that could strike at any time.
“Because disasters can strike at any time,” said Sanadi Aji, Disaster Mitigation and Training Officer at Dompet Dhuafa’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC), explaining the importance of preparedness among the Sukamanah Village FPRB members so that they are able to act swiftly when disaster strikes.
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The training was carried out in collaboration with the Lebak 1 Standby Unit of the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS).
On the first day, participants were guided through the steps involved in providing first aid, such as the initial assessment of casualties, handling casualties, and their evacuation.
Then, on the second day, participants were trained in water rescue. The simulations carried out included preparing an inflatable boat, preparing the boat’s engine, evacuating victims using a motorised or rowing boat, evacuating victims using a throw bag, evacuating victims by swimming, and providing care for victims.
Indra Cahyadi, a speaker from BASARNAS, stated that it is important for the community to be able to administer first aid independently and carry out water rescues, given that the local area is highly prone to disasters.
“It is very important for the community to be able to provide first aid and carry out water rescues. This is because the village of Sukamanah is highly vulnerable to tsunamis, given its location in the south, where the coastline tends to experience high waves,” he said.
Bai Malihah, one of the training participants, said that the training had provided her with a great deal of new knowledge on providing first aid and carrying out water rescues.
“Alhamdulillah, I am very happy and grateful for the presence of DMC Dompet Dhuafa in our village. We had never received training like this before, and thanks to this training, we now know what to do in the event of an emergency,” she said.
Ocid, one of the training participants, echoed this sentiment. According to him, the training has further raised public awareness of potential disasters in the Sukamanah Village area.
“From this two-day training, I’ve come to realise how important it is for those of us living in coastal areas like this to understand first aid, water rescue and how to manage such situations. That way, if an emergency arises, we’ll be able to evacuate ourselves,” said Ocid.
This training is part of DMC Dompet Dhuafa’s commitment to strengthening community preparedness, particularly in areas at high risk of disasters. After all, disasters can strike at any time and anywhere. Because We Only Have One Earth, Empower Ourselves Now. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Shinta FN/DMC
Editor: Dhika