Indonesia's Disaster Risk Index Slightly Decreases by 2023

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) report, Indonesia's disaster risk index slightly decreased during the 2021-2023 period.

However, this decrease in the risk index was not due to a reduction in the threat of natural disasters, but rather to an increase in disaster management capacity.

In 2021, the average national disaster risk index was at 178.74. By 2023, the risk index had decreased to 174.28.

Nevertheless, Indonesia's disaster risk index in 2023 remains relatively high.

The BNPB measures this index using three main components: "hazard," "vulnerability," and "capacity."

The "hazard" component is measured based on the probability and intensity of natural disaster events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, droughts, forest and land fires, extreme weather, and high tides and abrasion.

The "vulnerability" component is measured based on the population size, and social, cultural, economic, and environmental conditions at risk of being exposed to disasters.

Finally, the "capacity" component is measured based on the disaster management capabilities at the regency/city level.

Of these three components, "hazard" is the most difficult to reduce because it involves natural factors.

The "vulnerability" component is also difficult to reduce and tends to increase with population growth, increasing urbanization, increased development, and environmental degradation.

Therefore, the most likely way to reduce risk is through increased "capacity," specifically the ability of the government and the community to manage disasters, encompassing education, mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, and recovery.

"The trend of disaster risk is primarily measured based on changes in the capacity component," stated the BNPB in its 2023 Indonesia Disaster Risk Index report.