The Muhammadiyah SAR Team is Assessed Crucially for Disaster Management in Indonesia

Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) is considered as the fifth strenght of Muhammadiyah according to the Minister of Education and Culture the Republic of Indonesia, Mhadjir Effendy. MDMC completes the forth strenght, which are education, health, social welfare, and economic field such as Lazismu.

It was stated by Muhadjir at the opening of Muhammadiyah National Jamboree Volunteers in University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) on Friday (1/12). Muhadjir said that it needs revitalization of Muhammadiyah’s role by making disaster management as a new power.

 “Karena itu, saya sangat mendukung bila amal usaha Muhammadiyah yang besar-besar ini menaruh kepedulian di bidang kebencanaan ini dan bila perlu dibuka program studi kebencanaan di beberapa universitas,” tukas mantan Rektor UMM ini.

Muhadjir who is the former rector of UMM, said that, "Therefore, I am very supportive if this great Muhammadiyah business charity puts the awareness in this disaster area andsome universities have to open disaster management study program, it is is necessary”.

Furthermore, the complete facilities need to be fulfilled to maximize the SAR Team of Muhammdiyah in  managing disaster because Indonesia is a country prone to disaster.

Muhadjir said,“ I think Muhammadiyah should always be ahead to pioneer a scientific approach in disaster management, so the disaster can be handled properly through good planning”.

Haedar Nasir, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Executive, said on his speech “ The moral duty of Muhammadiyah is the spirit of sharing and caring which can make all people in this country care to this nation sincerely, honestly , and without granted. This country would be a big country if we all care of each other and help others without granted”.
The opening ceremony was also marked by the Tangguh Disaster Student Declaration by student representatives from various regiounsinIndonesia. The Declaration was chaired by the Head of Media and Communication of Central Leaders (PP) of Muhammadiyah Student Association (IPM) Maharina Novia Zahro.

Moreover, the participants were also amazed by the disaster resque simulation from Medical SAR Team of Muhammadiyah conducted at Hall UMM Dome.This simulation is a vertical resque technique which uses rigging connecting Gate A and Gate C. Then one of the simulated SAR teams rescues fire victims through high buildings.

This National Jamboree event was followed by a general exposure from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) represented by Deputy Logistics and Equipment, Rudi Phadmanto. Rudi explained the importance of volunteer role in the disasterinhis presentation. (lus)