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| Rindya Fery Indrawan, S.Pi., M.P. in Psychosocial Training of Facilitator (TOF) activities. (Photo: Istimewah) |
In mid-2022, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded 1,945 natural disasters in Indonesia. Unfortunately, in carrying out the response, volunteers are still confused about making decisions and providing psychosocial support. This was said by Rindya Fery Indrawan, S.Pi., M.P. in Psychosocial Training of Facilitator (TOF) activities. This training is a collaboration of Disaster Preparedness Student Volunteers (Maharesigana) University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) with Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) Malang Regency in early October.
Fery, his nickname, explained that more than 40 participants from various regions throughout Indonesia participated. They were trained with multiple materials and tips, such as understanding disaster management, basic skills, facilitation techniques, psychological first aid, and others.
"One of the things that volunteers must master is psychosocial involvement. They are expected to be able to become alert volunteers and provide excellent service," he explained.
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Fery, who also serves as the Chairperson of UMM Maharesigana, added that this activity aims to increase the capacity of psychosocial support volunteers. Volunteers are expected to be able to make programs following the identification of psychological conditions in disaster-affected communities. So there is no more confusion in deciding what to do.
"Hopefully, with this Psychosocial TOF, it can answer many questions of the volunteers and improve the skills and knowledge of the participants," he said.
On the other hand, appreciation was given by one of the participants, Wiwik Sulistyaningsih, from the University of Muhammadiyah, Prof. Dr. HAMKA Jakarta. He considers psychosocial clusters essential, so this activity is an exciting event. Moreover, he wants to improve his attitude toward volunteerism and psychosocial science.
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"I think Maharesigana is quite good at facilitating volunteers to increase their skills. Volunteers are indeed required to be able to understand the situation and consider all possibilities so that they can act appropriately," he said.
Apart from Wiwik, there is also Aprilia Kristanti, a participant from the TAGANA Social Service of Blitar Regency. According to him, volunteers must continue to increase their knowledge and psychosocial skills, so they are not careless in dealing with disaster situations. While tools are essential, understanding their users is even more critical.
"It must balance the experience gained in the field with the learning process, such as participating in training. Of course, I will share various experiences with other TAGANA friends," agreed Aprilia. (apg/haq/wil)
