MediaMulti-Hazard Preparedness

Thriving in the Face of Disaster: Mount Sinabung

Between May 4th and May 18th, 2016, a comprehensive survey was undertaken in Karo Regency as part of a research collaboration between RDI and Coventry University. The research project, titled "Cultural Impact on Community Resilience of People Exposed to Mount Sinabung Eruption Risk," involved the participation of individuals from various psychology departments at different universities, including Yarsi, Ukrida, Atmajaya, USU, and UMM. The research initiative commenced with a lecture delivered by RDI and Dr. Gavin Sullivan from Coventry University at Institut Teknologi Medan. Data collection activities commenced on the second day, encompassing the distribution of questionnaires to local communities to capture their experiences related to the eruption, conducting in-depth interviews with key informants and community stakeholders, as well as observing and gathering secondary data. Mount Sinabung stands out due to its extended cycle of eruptions, with the last recorded eruption dating back to the year 1600. The volcano has remained on high alert since the eruption on August 29th, 2010. The continuous threat of eruptions has left the surrounding communities in a precarious situation, pushing them to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. This research endeavors to shed light on how these communities, whether displaced or not, cope with the ongoing volcanic activity of Mount Sinabung. Some villages located within a 7-kilometer radius from the Sinabung peak have been relocated and evacuated. The conditions of the displaced individuals differ based on their specific relocation camps. Half of the relocated villages, now situated in Siosar, have relatively better living conditions compared to the others. They have received new houses and compensation for their farmlands to help them sustain their livelihoods. However, life in Siosar has been met with mixed reactions. While a stable source of income and the emergence of a local economy have helped rebuild trust with the government, there have been issues, such as problems with seed distribution, leading to tensions between villagers and the government. On the other hand, less fortunate villagers, who are part of the independent relocation process to Lingga, have faced challenges as their new destination has not been as welcoming. Evacuated villages find themselves in a state of legal uncertainty. They are prevented from returning to their own villages due to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mt. Sinabung, yet they have not been provided with employment opportunities and rely on daily rations for sustenance. The absence of a reliable source of income has forced some of these villagers to return to their villages, exposing themselves to risk but generating income. Impacted villages that were not evacuated have been mainly affected by volcanic ash. Layers of ash have covered their farmlands, causing damage to their crops. The government has not outlined clear plans for compensating these farmers for their losses. However, there have been considerations for relocating 14 families from Perbaji due to their vulnerability to cold lahar paths. The cultural norms and kinship structures of the local community influence interactions within displaced persons' camps, as well as interactions between these camps and the host communities. This cultural framework plays a crucial role in mitigating potential conflicts in these settings.

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Unlocking Global Market Access Through InTex Indonesia

Keynote Speech from Rizky Aditya Wijaya (Director of Textile, Leather, and Footwear Industry, Ministry of Industry)

Opening session from Nurlia Listiani (Associate Researcher at the Center for Behavioral and Circular Economy Research (PREPS), BRIN/InTex Indonesia)

12 February 2026 — The webinar “Unlocking Global Market Access Through InTex Indonesia” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and international partners to discuss how Indonesia’s textile sector can strengthen its competitiveness in the global market through sustainability and circularity which training is provided by InTex Indonesia. This webinar is hosted by the InTex Indonesia Consortium (RDI, BRIN, and James Cook University) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry. The session was opened by Master of Ceremony, Rizka Adriani Putri (REER Research Analyst), followed by a keynote from Rizky Aditya Wijaya (Director of Textile, Leather, and Footwear Industry, Ministry of Industry), who emphasized that Indonesia’s textile industry must align with green industrial transformation, international standards, and long-term competitiveness strategies. The session was moderated by Nurlia Listiani (Associate Researcher at the Center for Behavioral and Circular Economy Research (PREPS), BRIN/InTex Indonesia), guiding discussions throughout the event.

Dr. Nizhar Marizi (Director of Environment, Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas)) presented regarding textile sector position within Indonesia’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (RAN-ES 2025–2045)

Muhamad Abdul Aziz (First Expert Industrial Advisor, Green Industry Center, Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia), who presented policy directions for green industry development and green financing

In the first segment, speakers outlined Indonesia’s national strategic direction. Dr. Nizhar Marizi (Director of Environment, Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas)) explained how the textile sector is positioned within Indonesia’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (RAN-ES 2025–2045), highlighting its importance in the country’s sustainable economic transition. This was followed by Muhamad Abdul Aziz (First Expert Industrial Advisor, Green Industry Center, Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia), who presented policy directions for green industry development and green financing, emphasizing that sustainability policies are increasingly tied to industrial growth and international trade readiness.

Carsten Sorensen (Head of Trade and Economic Section, Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia) highlighted the IEU-CEPA agreement as a strategic opportunity

Jemmie Cahyadi (Regulatory Committee Member, Indonesian Textile Association (API)), who discussed industry readiness to meet international sustainability standards.

Vidya Azzizi (Program Specialist, Resilience Development Initiative (RDI)) then presented how the program supports companies in adopting circular practices.

The second segment focused on economic opportunities and global market access. Carsten Sorensen (Head of Trade and Economic Section, Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia) highlighted the IEU-CEPA agreement as a strategic opportunity, noting that environmental compliance could unlock tariff reductions and expand export access to the European market. This perspective was reinforced by Jemmie Cahyadi (Regulatory Committee Member, Indonesian Textile Association (API)), who discussed industry readiness to meet international sustainability standards. The UNEP InTex Indonesia team represented by Vidya Azzizi (Program Specialist, Resilience Development Initiative (RDI)) then presented how InTex Indonesia supports companies in adopting circular practices, improving environmental data, and strengthening product credibility for international buyers. Participants from textile companies actively engaged in this session, raising questions on compliance pathways, financing readiness, and practical implementation challenges.

Indra Purba (Factory Manager, PT. Superbtex) shared operational insights on implementing sustainability and circular practices at factory level.

Devi Kusumaningtyas (Director of Government and Public Affairs for Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia, Nike) then highlighted how environmental compliance has become a competitive advantage for producers seeking to enter global supply chains.

The discussion became more practical during the industry sharing session. Indra Purba (Factory Manager, PT Superbtex) shared operational insights on implementing sustainability and circular practices at factory level, including process adjustments and business challenges. Devi Kusumaningtyas (Director of Government and Public Affairs for Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia, Nike) then highlighted how environmental compliance has become a competitive advantage for producers seeking to enter global supply chains. The session sparked further discussion, with several industry representatives contributing questions and reflections on how Indonesian manufacturers can accelerate their transition while maintaining productivity and market positioning.

Q & A Session with Webinar Attendee

Closing Remarks fromNico Barlev Marhehe (Programme Management Officer, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP))

The webinar concluded with a call to action from the UNEP InTex Indonesia team, inviting companies to join the InTex program as a first step toward strengthening sustainability performance and expanding global market access. Closing remarks were delivered by Nico Barlev Marhehe (Programme Management Officer, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)), who emphasized that collaboration between government, industry, and international partners will be key to accelerating Indonesia’s transition toward a competitive and circular textile sector.

February 11th 2026

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Multi-Hazard Preparedness

Thriving in the Face of Disaster: Mount Sinabung

May 29th 2016

Thriving in the Face of Disaster: Mount Sinabung