Irman Gusman: Disaster Response and TMMD Collaboration Must Strengthen West Sumatra's Regional Resilience

25 July 2026 oleh admin

Padang, dpd.go.id – West Sumatra Senator Irman Gusman has emphasized that collaboration between disaster management agencies and the Indonesian Military's TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) program must be directed toward strengthening West Sumatra's regional resilience in an optimal and sustainable manner.

The former two-term Speaker of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) made the statement during a meeting with officials of the Regional Military Command (Kodam) XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol in Padang on Thursday (July 23, 2026).

Deputy Commander of Kodam XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Brig. Gen. TNI Heri Prakosa P. Wibowo explained that the 2025 Indonesian Disaster Risk Index classified West Sumatra as a high-risk province, with a score of 176.82. The province remains vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, flash floods, landslides, extreme weather, and volcanic eruptions.

"Kodam XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol and the West Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) have established close collaboration in disaster preparedness and emergency response following the disasters that struck the province late last November," Heri said.

Irman praised the partnership, describing it as highly strategic and one that should be further strengthened given West Sumatra's high disaster risk.

"The collaboration that has already been established must lead to stronger regional preparedness. Success should not be measured solely by how quickly we respond after a disaster, but also by how well prepared we are beforehand from risk mapping, evacuation routes, and emergency communications to equipment readiness and logistics distribution," Irman said.

The Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council of Muhammadiyah's Central Executive Board (UMM PP Muhammadiyah) added that disaster preparedness must extend to the regency, sub-district, and nagari (village) levels. Coordination among the military, the provincial government, BPBD, local governments, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the National Police, and community organizations should be regularly tested to ensure every institution understands its role during emergencies.

"In major disasters, the challenge goes beyond evacuating victims. The government must ensure that the command system continues to function, assistance reaches isolated areas, and essential public services remain uninterrupted," he said.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commander also outlined the implementation of the 2026 TMMD program in West Sumatra, which is focused on Agam Regency and Padang Pariaman Regency.

TMMD's 128th program was carried out in Nagari Batu Gadang Kuranji Hulu, Sungai Geringging District, Padang Pariaman, from April 22 to May 21, 2026. The program included the construction and improvement of a two-kilometer road, bridges and culverts, rehabilitation of substandard housing, and the development of clean water facilities.

Meanwhile, the 129th TMMD program began on July 15, 2026, in Nagari Nan Tujuah, Palupuh District, Agam Regency, and is scheduled to run for 30 days. In addition to physical infrastructure development, the program includes community education and capacity-building initiatives.

Irman, who serves on Committee I of the DPD RI, stressed that TMMD activities in Agam and Padang Pariaman should address the region's strategic challenges, particularly limited inter-village connectivity, disaster vulnerability, agricultural distribution, and access to education and healthcare services.

"TMMD should not be judged merely by the number of kilometers of roads constructed. What matters most is whether those roads reduce isolation, improve the transport of agricultural products, accelerate disaster relief efforts, and stimulate the local economy," he said. According to Irman, disaster management and TMMD share the same overarching objective—reducing regional vulnerability. While disaster preparedness enhances West Sumatra's ability to withstand crises, TMMD strengthens connectivity, essential public services, food security, and local economic development.

"Regional resilience is built not only through defense capabilities, but also through well-connected nagari, communities that are prepared for disasters, secure food supplies, and uninterrupted essential services during emergencies," Irman concluded.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commander of Kodam XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Brig. Gen. TNI Heri Prakosa P. Wibowo; Inspector of Kodam Brig. Gen. TNI Heri Susanto; Head of the Command's Expert Staff Brig. Gen. TNI Benny Febrianto; Assistant for Territorial Affairs Col. Inf. Candra; and Head of the Military Legal Office Col. Chk Wawan Kurniawan.