Reflection on Disaster Education Preparedness Challenges in Safe Learning Facilities

Abstract

This study examines the critical need to optimize educational infrastructure in elementary schools located in disaster-prone areas. This study highlights the vulnerability of schools in dealing with disaster threats related to Pillar 1 of Disaster-Safe Education Units which results in the impact of casualties, and damage to buildings, facilities, and infrastructure. This study is a qualitative study using a descriptive design. This study used an interview instrument in data collection. Respondents were 23 elementary school teachers in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The results of the study showed a significant lack of disaster preparedness. Data shows that elementary schools in disaster-prone areas mostly do not have buildings, facilities, and infrastructure that comply with safety standards during disasters such as ownership of building permits, and certificates of functional feasibility. Schools do not yet have awareness of building safety that has the potential to endanger school residents when a disaster occurs. Damage to buildings requires routine maintenance that can be done in collaboration with parties external to the school. The lack of facilities and infrastructure to support preparedness also requires optimization by increasing the disaster budget by implementing cooperation with parties external to the school in providing facilities and infrastructure to support preparedness. Many schools are ill-equipped to handle emergencies. This study identifies the needs of educational infrastructure that supports disaster preparedness in elementary schools as an effort to optimize disaster education in disaster-prone areas can be implemented by improving school infrastructure, including renovating buildings, developing emergency response plans, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration in disaster management.