DIY Government Honoured Plan Indonesia and Prudence Foundation’s Innovation in School Preparedness
07 May 2025
The Yogyakarta Special Region Government has honoured Plan Indonesia and Prudence Foundation for their innovative contributions in strengthening disaster preparedness in the education sector through the implementation of the Disaster Safe Education Unit (SPAB). The award was presented by the Regional Secretary of Yogyakarta, Drs. Beni Suharsono, M.Si during the commemoration of the National Disaster Preparedness Day (HKBN) in Yogyakarta, as a form of appreciation for cross-sector collaboration, involvement of the younger generation, and utilisation of technology to create schools that are safe and resilient to disaster risks.
The award reflects recognition of the collaborative work of Plan Indonesia and Prudence Foundation, including Prudential Indonesia’s involvement in supporting a disaster-prepared education ecosystem. Through the SPAB Model Province Program, Plan Indonesia encourages the optimisation of the use of local budgets and BOS funds to strengthen preparedness in education units.
One of the key innovations of the programme was the development of a disaster impact reporting application, designed to accelerate data-driven emergency response. In addition, the approach of involving the younger generation in the campaign, education and monitoring of SPAB strengthens local ownership and sustainability of the programme.
In his remarks, DIY Secretary Drs. Beni Suharsono emphasised the importance of a cross-sectoral approach in disaster risk reduction in schools. ‘We appreciate the multi-stakeholder efforts made by Plan Indonesia and Prudence Foundation in strengthening school preparedness. Innovations such as the development of disaster reporting applications and the involvement of the younger generation are strategic steps to create a sustainable culture of alertness,’ he said.
Executive Director of Plan Indonesia, Dini Widiastuti, said that this award was the real result of collaborative work of various parties. ‘We believe that safe education is the foundation of a resilient society. Collaboration with Prudence Foundation and local governments is the key to success in driving real change in disaster-prone schools,’ said Dini.
Similarly, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation, Donald Kanak, emphasised that cross-sector partnerships are an important element in building resilience from an early age. ‘This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting resilient and inclusive education systems. When the private sector, civil society and government come together, we can create a broader and more sustainable impact,’ he said.
The SPAB programme initiated by Plan Indonesia and partners has reached 100 assisted schools since 2023. The programme not only builds the institutional capacity of schools, but also creates a more structured, evidence-based reporting, planning and early response mechanism that is responsive to local needs.
This award is proof that innovation, cross-sector commitment, and community involvement – especially young people – can shape an education ecosystem that is resilient to future crises and disasters.
