Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Institute for Advanced Social, Science, and Sustainable Future (IASSSF) organized a webinar to disseminate the findings of a research study titled “Training on Creating Learning Media for Handling Disaster Mitigation for Elementary School Teachers” on Friday, February 21, 2025.
This study, published in the ASEAN Natural Disaster Mitigation and Education Journal (ANDMEJ), aims to share key findings and best practices in the development of disaster mitigation learning media for elementary school teachers. The webinar seeks to encourage more educational institutions to adopt these innovative teaching methods to enhance disaster preparedness in Indonesia.
The research was conducted through a collaboration between Kitakyushu University, Japan, and Pakuan University, Indonesia. The research team, consisting of Indriyani Rachman, Fumitoshi Murae, and Yayoi Kodama, focused on improving teachers’ ability to educate students about disaster mitigation using creative teaching methods, such as Kamishibai (Japanese paper theater) and Machitanken (environmental exploration).
As part of the study, Indonesian elementary school teachers were sent to Japan to directly observe and learn disaster mitigation methods. Upon their return, these teachers implemented their newly acquired knowledge in classrooms and shared it with fellow educators.
The research was conducted in West Nusa Tenggara Province, specifically in Mataram City, which was chosen due to its high disaster risk. Of the 14 types of disasters frequently occurring in Indonesia, 11 have been recorded in this region. Thus, school-based education is seen as a strategic approach to enhancing disaster preparedness.
The training for teachers was conducted in stages, beginning with theoretical sessions, followed by testing of learning media, and concluding with student comprehension evaluations. Participants underwent a three-month online training program before attending an intensive program in Kitakyushu, Japan, where they studied disaster education methods applied in Japan and adapted them to Indonesia’s school curriculum.
The study’s findings revealed that Machitanken and Kamishibai approaches significantly improved students’ understanding of disasters, while also enhancing their critical thinking and decision-making skills in emergency situations.
Indriyani Rachman emphasized the importance of integrating disaster mitigation education into the national curriculum to better prepare future generations for potential disasters. Disaster mitigation is not just about reducing risks but also about building awareness and equipping communities with the skills to respond quickly and effectively when disasters occur. Early education, especially at the elementary school level, is key to developing a resilient and disaster-responsive generation.
Currently, the research findings have been submitted to local governments, and future discussions with the Ministry of Education are planned to incorporate disaster mitigation content into the national curriculum. This initiative aims to establish a more comprehensive educational system that prepares society for disaster risks.
The study will continue to expand across Indonesia with the hope of fostering a strong disaster preparedness culture at all levels of society. This effort underscores that disaster mitigation is not solely the responsibility of the government but should be an integral part of everyday life for communities.
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