The Ministry of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions is working to improve disaster preparedness in rural areas following a significant increase in hydrometeorological disasters across Indonesia. According to data presented at the Village Climate Risk Index (IRID) Workshop, 98.33 percent of disasters are categorized as hydrometeorological – including floods, extreme weather, landslides, forest fires, and droughts.
Rising Disaster Numbers
A reported 3,116 disaster events occurred throughout 2025, representing a 121 percent increase compared to the total number of events in 2024. Director General of Acceleration of Disadvantaged Region Development, Samsul Widodo, stated the “damage impact is quite significant.”
Villages are considered particularly vulnerable, as residents often lack the financial resources available to those in urban centers like Jakarta. Widodo explained that people in Jakarta “still have savings or other resources,” while those in villages have fewer options.
Capacity Building and Policy Integration
The Ministry is prioritizing systematic enhancements to disaster mitigation capacity in villages, including training for village heads and staff. Emphasis is also being placed on utilizing the Village Climate Risk Index not just as data, but as a tool for policy and budgeting decisions.
Efforts to bolster disaster resilience are occurring alongside legislative initiatives. Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno previously highlighted the importance of drafting a Climate Change Management Bill to provide a comprehensive legal framework for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of disasters are increasing in Indonesia?
Hydrometeorological disasters – including floods, extreme weather, landslides, forest fires, and droughts – are increasing, and account for 98.33 percent of all disaster events.
Which areas are most affected by disasters?
Villages are the most affected areas, due to limited alternative livelihoods and fewer resources compared to urban centers.
What is the Ministry doing to address this issue?
The Ministry of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions is promoting enhanced village capacity in disaster mitigation and preparedness, including training and integrating the Village Climate Risk Index into policy and budgeting.
As climate patterns continue to shift, Indonesia will spot further increases in the frequency and intensity of hydrometeorological events. Continued investment in village-level preparedness and the development of a comprehensive legal framework could be key to minimizing the impact of these disasters.
