Strengthening disaster resilience requires more than emergency response—it demands spatially informed planning, climate adaptation, and active participation from local communities. This message was highlighted by Nurrohman Wijaya, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture, Planning and Policy Development (SAPPK), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), who served as a keynote resource speaker at Telkomsel’s TERRA (Telkomsel Emergency Response and Recovery Activity) 2026 workshop. The workshop, Gladian Panji Relawan TERRA Kabupaten Semarang, was held from July 9–11, 2026, at Mawar Camping Ground, Jimbaran, Bandungan, Kabupaten Semarang. The event brought together university students and outdoor community leaders to strengthen their capacity as young volunteers and community-based actors in disaster preparedness and response.

Building Resilience from the Grassroots

TERRA is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) that seeks to develop technology-oriented and resilient youth networks in disaster-prone areas across Indonesia. Under the 2026 theme “Sigap, Peduli, Bersama” (Alert, Caring, Together), the workshop involved approximately 40 participants from universities and local outdoor communities in the Semarang region. On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Dr. Nurrohman delivered a 90-minute technical session entitled “Risiko Bencana, Tata Ruang dan Ketahanan Wilayah” (Disaster Risk, Spatial Planning, and Regional Resilience).

Integrating Spatial Planning into Disaster Risk Reduction

In his presentation, Dr. Nurrohman emphasized the interconnected impacts of urbanization, land-use change, and climate change on disaster risk. He highlighted the importance of Kabupaten Semarang, where landslides and extreme weather are among the key hazards requiring stronger preventive measures. Rather than relying primarily on reactive emergency responses, he encouraged participants to adopt a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) perspective that integrates spatial planning, environmental management, and community preparedness. Several key messages from the session included: 1) Spatial planning influences disaster risk. The conversion of forests, development on steep slopes, and inappropriate land-use practices can increase exposure to landslides, flooding, and associated economic losses; 2) Nature-based solutions can strengthen resilience. Dr. Nurrohman introduced Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including rain gardens, permeable pavements, and retention ponds, as complementary approaches to managing urban flooding and heat; and 3) Volunteers are essential to local resilience. Community volunteers can contribute before, during, and after disasters through participatory risk mapping, early warning and information dissemination, emergency logistics, and post-disaster recovery.

Strengthening Pentahelix Collaboration

Dr. Nurrohman’s session formed part of a broader pentahelix collaboration involving government, academia, the private sector, communities, and other stakeholders. The workshop also featured contributions from the Head of BPBD Kabupaten Semarang and the Head of SAR Semarang, as well as field trainers from Wanadri, PMI, and Sekolah Relawan. Through the integration of spatial planning knowledge, disaster-risk awareness, data interpretation, and field-based preparedness, the workshop provided participants with practical perspectives for addressing disaster risks in their communities.

Dr. Nurrohman’s participation also reflects SAPPK ITB’s commitment to extending academic expertise beyond the university and strengthening collaboration among academia, government, the private sector, and local communities. By connecting spatial planning and climate adaptation with grassroots action, such partnerships can help build more resilient and adaptive regions in Indonesia.