Banda Aceh (ANTARA) – Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said disaster education and literacy must be improved so that people are prepared to face disasters.

“Disaster mitigation is not only supported by technology, but must also be followed by heightened awareness,” he said on Sunday in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province.

The statement was made during an event commemorating 17 years of the deadly earthquake and tsunami that rocked the province at the northern tip of the island of Sumatra on December 26, 2004.

The convening of the event was centered on the parking lot of the port of Ulee Lheue in Banda Aceh. Participants in the event included Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, People’s Consultative Assembly Deputy Speaker Ahmad Muzani, House of Representatives Member Fadhlullah, TA Khalid , Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) Vice President Commissioner Dr. TGB Muhammad Zainul Majdi and people from the Aceh Regional Leadership Coordination Forum.

He pointed out that the tsunami that hit the Indonesian province and 14 other countries had caused the deaths of around 230,000 people.

The existence of technological tools, including those related to earthquake and tsunami early warning systems, provides the public with knowledge and time to be prepared to seek protection and minimize the impacts of disasters, has he points out.

Related News: Photojournalists Host Exhibition to Mark 17 Years of Aceh Tsunami

He stressed that disaster preparedness efforts must be encouraged together so that everyone can practice resilience to overcome them.

“I force everyone to campaign for public awareness about disaster mitigation,” Uno recalled.

He also called on the general public to increase the spirit of solidarity amid many disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, public awareness of disaster mitigation, which would create resilient communities, could be enhanced.

The Aceh Tsunami Memorial Event in Ulee Lheue was also followed by prayers and remembrance of those who fell victim to the deadly disaster. The prayers were led by two Muslim preachers – Zamhuri Ramli and Faizal Adriansyah.

The event organizer also carried out a tomb tour, donations to orphans, a tsunami photo exhibit, awards for tsunami site keepers and collaborative performances.

Related News: Aceh Studies Center to Boost Disaster Literacy: National Library