DPD RI Senator Dwi Ajeng Sekar Respaty Pushes for Stronger Regulations and Accelerated Disaster Response in the Riau Islands

15 October 2026 oleh admin

Batam, dpd.go.id – DPD RI Member representing the Riau Islands Province, Dwi Ajeng Sekar Respaty, S.H., M.Kn., is pushing for stronger regulations and governance in disaster management that are more responsive to the characteristics of archipelagic regions. This was conveyed during a working meeting with the Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Social Services Office (Dinsos Kepri) on Thursday (15/10), held to monitor and evaluate draft regional regulations as well as existing regional regulations related to local disaster management implementation.

In her capacity as a member of the Regional Legislation Committee (BULD) of the DPD RI, Dwi Ajeng highlighted the importance of ensuring that regional regulations do not stop at normative provisions, but actively address community needs during emergency situations. The geographical challenges of the Riau Islands which are dominated by sea areas, limited inter-island transportation access, and diverse disaster risks, demand logistical readiness, cross-agency coordination, and financing mechanisms that allow aid to be distributed in a timely manner. “Disaster management regulations must bridge the gap between needs on the ground and government preparedness in responding to emergencies. Public safety must not be hampered by ineffective coordination, logistical constraints, or protracted administrative processes,” said Sekar.

The working meeting also discussed the readiness of social protection for communities affected by disasters, ranging from meeting basic needs, data collection, and verification of aid recipients, to post-disaster social recovery. The Riau Islands Social Services Office explained that these operations are supported by personnel, Disaster Preparedness Volunteers (TAGANA), logistics management, public kitchens, and social assistance within their authority and available budget.

The Head of the Riau Islands Social Services Office, Dr. Mahadi Rahman, S.Q., M.Pd.I., emphasized the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments in ensuring effective social protection for disaster victims. “Handling disaster victims requires strong coordination among the Social Services Office, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), regency/city governments, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and community elements. For archipelagic regions like Riau Islands, logistical support, clear division of authority, data integration, and budget availability are crucial factors to ensure aid reaches those in need accurately and accountably,” he stated.

In addition to emergency response measures, the working meeting stressed the need to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income communities. The evaluation also covered the sustainability of assistance after the emergency period ends, particularly the social recovery of families, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support.

In terms of regulation, the implementation of Riau Islands Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2024 concerning Regional Disaster Management Implementation was a key focus, especially regarding the harmonization of sectoral rules, division of tasks among agencies, and the formulation of more integrated standard operating procedures.

Through this working meeting, Dwi Ajeng reaffirmed the importance of promoting disaster management policies that focus not only on event response, but also on risk reduction and sustainable community recovery. The evaluation results are expected to serve as input to strengthen disaster governance and regulations in the region, including enhancing fiscal readiness, human resource capacity, and aid distribution systems suited to the characteristics of the Riau Islands. Consequently, protection for disaster-affected communities can be carried out faster, more equitably, in a measurable manner, and with full accountability.