Zahra Encourages Resilient Children in Disaster Preparedness
17 November 2023
“If there’s an earthquake, protect your head.
If there’s an earthquake, remember BBMK.
Don’t run (in panic).
Don’t be loud.
Don’t push.
And don’t go back.”
These are the lyrics from a disaster awareness song titled BBMK, sung with the tune of the children’s song “Potong Bebek Angsa.” It was sung during the West Java Partnership 2023 event in September 2023 at the Gedung Sate building in Bandung, West Java. My friend, Erwin and I had the opportunity to lead a talk show of the event.
WJP 2023 was an event that introduced the importance of collaboration of the Government of West Java and other stakeholders in improving the quality of life for children and young people. Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) also took part in this event through collaboration with the West Java Regional Government, on various programs including humanitarian efforts and disaster risk reduction. During this occasion, I had the chance to share our experiences as young people actively engaged in Plan Indonesia’s programs in West Java.
Through the Urban Nexus Program, my friends and I had the opportunity to share our experiences in implementing the “1001 Earthquake-Resilient Schools” project. This program educated children in five junior high schools in the Bandung area about disaster preparedness. The activities were conducted using innovative, creative, and entertaining approaches.
The idea for this program emerged when my friends and I were concerned about the risk of a major earthquake caused by the Lembang Fault. We noticed that children and young people needed to be optimally involved in disaster risk reduction efforts. Therefore, we felt the need to create a program that would help them enhance their preparedness and resilience to disasters.
“1001 Earthquake-Resilient Schools” provides technical training on earthquake preparedness and empowers children and young people to feel that they have a crucial role in protecting themselves and their communities. We want them to attain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act quickly and effectively during a disaster.
One of the most memorable moments during the WJP 2023 event was when the children and I enthusiastically sang “BBMK” to the melody of “Potong Bebek Angsa.” This song was not just entertainment but an educational tool that helped convey the preparedness for when an earthquake occurs. I believe that education should be enjoyable.
As a young person, real change can be achieved through hard work, collaboration, and the courage to continue participating in impactful efforts. Through close cooperation between the West Java Regional Government, Plan Indonesia, and various other parties, we have high hopes for advancing youth initiatives in creating a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive West Java.
About the Author
Zahra (23 years old) is part of the Youth Leaders for Climate and Humanitarian, a program implemented by Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) in collaboration with Teens Go Green (TGG) Indonesia through the Urban Nexus Program Phase 2. This program aims to train and mentor young people to better understand resilience issues in facing climate crises, enhance disaster preparedness child protection, address gender-based violence, menstrual hygiene management, and advocate for humanitarian issues.
About Urban Nexus Phase 2
Urban Nexus Phase 2 is a program implemented by Plan Indonesia to create a healthy, safe, and resilient environment through the empowerment and leadership of urban youth in Depok City. This program is carried out in collaboration with Teens Go Green and MDMC (Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center), supported by Plan International Australia and ANCP-DFAT.
