Besides focusing on research, RDI as a think tank always strives to give back to the community. We believe in a circle of good impacts that can be achieved by bringing back a good impact to the community, specifically since RDI offices are located in the exposed area that requires more attention.

One of the nearest exposed areas surrounding our offices is Kam- pung Manteos, Kobulan, Bandung, West Java. Unfortunately, the community experienced a devastating landslide on April 26, 2023. This resulted in extensive damage and the tragic loss of residents’ lives as their homes were buried under debris. This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the significant risks and vulnerabilities communities face in this area.

In response to this urgent matter, the RDI team through Policy Advocacy and Community Empowerment (PACE) and the Spatial System Center (SSC), has taken proactive measures to address this issue. On May 27, 2023, a community resilience ex-change event was held at the RDI Sangkuriang office.

This event aimed to engage and educate the residents of Kampung Manteos on essential measures to mitigate landslides and effectively utilize participatory mapping for prevention strategies.

Dr. Aria Mariani, an esteemed disaster and climate resilience expert, moderated the event, leveraging their expertise to ensure the local community is well-informed about directly addressing landslides. Moreover, the event highlighted the value of participatory mapping as a crucial tool for proactive prevention and effective mitigation efforts.

This event marks a significant milestone in enhancing community preparedness and fostering resilience against natural disasters. Through knowledge-sharing and collaborative efforts, our goal is to empower the residents of Kampung Manteos to safeguard their lives, properties, and well-being from future threats. We look forward to further engagement with the community in the future.