As the new academic year begins, the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, focuses not only on academic adaptation. A number of schools, particularly those located in Mount Merapi's Disaster Prone Area (KRB) II, are now integrating disaster mitigation education material as an additional curriculum for new students.
One such educational session took place at SMPN 2 Pakem on Monday (13/7). During this activity, students were provided with a deep understanding of safety procedures and independent evacuation steps that must be taken in the event of volcanic activity from Mount Merapi.
The presentation of the material was facilitated by the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) Yogyakarta. This step was taken as a preventive effort to build early awareness and preparedness among students right from their school years regarding the geographical risks present in their living and learning environments.
The organizers emphasized that mitigation education is crucial so that students have the agility to respond to emergency situations. With early preparation, it is hoped that the risks of adverse impacts from natural disasters can be minimized through a proper and measurable understanding of safety procedures.
