The Geography Community Service Team, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia held a flood disaster mitigation counseling program in Pantai Bahagia Village, Muara Gembong Sub-district, Bekasi. The tidal flood disaster mitigation counseling was held at State Elementary School Pantai Bahagia 04 from 13:00 WIB to 15:00 WIB, attended by the community and representatives of Pantai Bahagia Village.
The material was delivered by Alfiyyah Nurulhuda, Universitas Indonesia Geography student from class of 2019 and Head of the Prevention and Preparedness Division of the Bekasi Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency Muhammad Said, SE., M.Sc. The community service team, which took to the field at the end of November 2021, was accompanied by Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Sc. Through the tidal flood disaster mitigation counseling program, it is hoped that the things that have been explained – including the theory of disaster and mitigation, as well as the impact of the tidal flood that occurred in Pantai Bahagia Village – can be carried out by local residents.
Pantai Bahagia Village is geographically close to the Java Sea and has a sloping topography, making it easier for sea water to enter the land when sea levels rise. This is exacerbated by mangrove land conversion and sea water abrasion. Hence, tidal floods are common in this area.
Before the implementation of this tidal flood mitigation program, Pantai Bahagia Village experienced tidal floods. “Fortunately, it’s dry now. A week ago, this place was under water, starting from Friday until last Friday,” said Qurtubi, Secretary of Pantai Bahagia Village. Qurtubi’s statement illustrates that for local communities, tidal flooding is a common experience.
With the implementation of this tidal flood disaster mitigation program, it is expected to form a disaster-responsive community in Pantai Bahagia Village. It also aims to reduce the impact of disasters, especially for people who experience losses caused by tidal floods. In addition, the material presented can be a guideline, and increase community knowledge when facing tidal floods.
