Yogyakarta stages simultaneous flood-warning drills to improve riverside readiness

Yogyakarta is expanding its flood-warning network and testing whether riverside residents can act quickly when alarms sound. The city held simultaneous Early Warning System drills at Gendeng, Tegalgendu, Danukusuman, Ledok Tukangan and Pingit.

The Special Region of Yogyakarta currently has 36 Early Warning System units spread across the Gajah Wong, Code and Winongo rivers, along with one unit in Ngentak. Not all of the systems operate automatically, because officials want warnings to remain possible if a disaster disrupts mobile networks or electricity.

Nur Hidayat, head of the Yogyakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency, said he wanted water-level information from the north to reach residents directly through mobile networks as well as radio. City councilor Bambang Seno Baskoro said flooding posed a substantial risk because rivers can overflow, making early warnings essential for people living near waterways.

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In the future I want the water-flow information from the north to be delivered directly to the public. Not only through radio, but through mobile networks as well.

Baskoro called for regular evaluations to keep the equipment working and ensure residents understand how to respond. He also supported making the drills a routine activity at least three times a year. Dedi Hermawan, head of the Gendeng Disaster-Responsive Community, said residents should remain alert even when rivers are not overflowing and described neighborhood patrols during the rainy season.

Yogyakarta has formed 169 Disaster-Responsive Communities, including in areas along river channels. Hermawan said residents should begin self-evacuation as soon as the warning alarm sounds, without waiting for further instructions.

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We must remain alert even though the river does not always overflow. We also regularly conduct neighborhood security patrols, especially when the rainy season arrives.