To strengthen disaster preparedness at the community level, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), through its Center for Work Safety, Health, and Environment (Pusat K3L), joined hands with the Indonesian Fire Safety Professional Society (MPK2I) to train residents of Kampung Mas Bumijo Kulon in fire prevention and emergency response. Held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, this initiative was particularly focused on empowering women—especially homemakers—to take the lead as first responders in local fire emergencies.
With more than 70% of the participants being women, the training was designed not just as a safety workshop, but as a capacity-building program aimed at fostering confidence, leadership, and awareness among mothers and caregivers. Expert trainers from MPK2I Central Java and the Yogyakarta City Fire Department guided participants through hands-on fire prevention techniques, use of basic firefighting tools, and strategies to respond quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Prof. Ketut Ima Ismara, Head of UNY’s Pusat K3L, emphasized that this initiative aligns with UNY’s ongoing mission to build stronger, more self-reliant communities. “By equipping women in Kampung Mas Bumijo with practical fire response skills, we are helping to create a safer environment—one where women are not just protected, but are protectors,” she said proudly. This effort reflects UNY’s deep belief in inclusive community development, especially by uplifting women as key figures in local resilience.
MPK2I Secretary General Muhamad Dawaman also praised the initiative, highlighting the vital role of community-based response systems in disaster mitigation. “Often, the first few minutes of a fire are the most critical. Having trained local women who can act swiftly and efficiently makes a tremendous difference,” he noted. The training also received strong support from Bumijo Village Head Ani, further affirming the importance of local collaboration.
This empowering program stands as a model for how universities like UNY can actively support communities not just academically, but through real-life engagement. By training women to become frontline defenders in fire safety, UNY is not only improving household readiness but also sowing seeds of leadership and collective resilience in the heart of Yogyakarta.
