Indonesia’s deputy police chief urges prevention-first approach to disasters and public-order threats

Indonesia’s deputy national police chief, Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, has called for prevention to take priority as the country prepares for natural disasters and possible disturbances to public order.

Speaking at a troop assembly in Cikeas, West Java, on Sept. 7, Dedi said readiness and early mitigation were essential to limiting wider impacts on communities. Indonesia faces a high level of disaster risk because of its complex geological, geographical and climatic conditions. Its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire also exposes it to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

“Those phenomena remind us that natural disasters can occur anytime and anywhere. Therefore, preparedness must be built before a disaster, during the emergency response and after the disaster,” Dedi said.

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Those phenomena remind us that natural disasters can occur anytime and anywhere. Therefore, preparedness must be built before a disaster, during the emergency response and after the disaster.

BNPB data showed that Indonesia had recorded 1,730 natural disasters from January 2026 up to the time of his statement. Floods, extreme weather, landslides and forest and land fires accounted for most of the incidents. They had killed 397 people and displaced more than 4 million, according to the figures he cited.

The National Police said it had prepared personnel and equipment for a rapid response through Operation Aman Nusa II. The operation covers evacuations, searches for victims, site security, traffic and evacuation-route management, and humanitarian services for affected residents. “With prepared personnel, infrastructure and the ability to act quickly, the National Police must always be present among the people, provide a sense of security, ease the burden on those affected and offer its best service in every disaster situation,” Dedi said.

Dedi also warned that public-order threats could arise from political, economic, sociocultural and security issues, and could spread through digital spaces if not handled properly. Under Operation Aman Nusa I, police were instructed to strengthen early detection, warning systems, risk mapping and monitoring of provocative narratives online. He also called for a persuasive approach involving community and religious leaders, local governments and other stakeholders.

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With prepared personnel, infrastructure and the ability to act quickly, the National Police must always be present among the people, provide a sense of security, ease the burden on those affected and offer its best service in every disaster situation.