Dignifying Disaster Survivors, Human Initiative Collaborates with BNPB to Create Shelter Implementation Guidelines

Jakarta – Human Initiative, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), has created the “Guidelines for the Provision of Temporary Shelter for Disaster-Affected Refugees.” These implementation guidelines were then directly disseminated by BNPB to humanitarian and social community institutions at the Harris Hotel in Jakarta (10/31).

Indonesia’s geographical location within the Ring of Fire makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In fact, the World Risk Report 2022 lists Indonesia as the third most disaster-prone country in the world.

Reflecting on various disasters that have struck Indonesia, the Indonesian government has continuously improved its disaster response efforts. This includes fulfilling not only food needs but also housing for disaster survivors.

In collaboration with BNPB, Human Initiative developed the “Guidelines for the Provision of Temporary Shelter for Disaster-Affected Refugees.” These guidelines, referred to as juklak, serve as a reference for all humanitarian organizations involved in establishing temporary shelters (Huntara) for disaster survivors.

In practice, BNPB has mandated community participation in the construction of Huntara. The guidelines emphasize that community members must play a meaningful role in all phases of the project, plan feedback mechanisms with the community, and ensure that the process aligns with local social and cultural aspects.

“The most crucial aspect of preparing for Huntara construction is to involve survivors in the planning process,” said Yus Rizal, Director of Victim and Refugee Handling Facilitation at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Having these guidelines, developed by BNPB, creates a standard for Huntara construction. Andreas Hapsoro, a housing practitioner from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, who also participated as a speaker, mentioned that every humanitarian organization must adjust its budget management for Huntara.

“This is a responsibility for every organization to meet the standards of building Huntara for survivors’ needs,” he stated.

Full Support from the Government

Tomy Hendrajati, President of Human Initiative, in his address, described the process of developing the juklak as guidelines for providing Huntara. Earlier, Human Initiative, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and with support from other institutions, established Home and Communities. Furthermore, Home and Communities expanded with broader collaboration. This achievement was a big dream, especially for shelter activists.

“We are grateful. The ministry, including BNPB, was very positive about engaging with us and supporting us until the “Guidelines for the Provision of Temporary Shelter for Disaster-Affected Refugees” was formulated,” said Tomy Hendrajati in his address.

The drafting of these guidelines received support from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Public Works and People’s Housing. In addition to Human Initiative, BNPB also collaborated with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the Humanitarian Forum Indonesia (HFI), Predikt, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the Indonesian Disaster Management Community (MPBI), and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). The formulation was also jointly conducted with United Nations agencies through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Indonesia.