Sukabumi Regency is grappling with significant challenges as land movement has impacted several districts over the past few weeks. Triggered by heavy rainfall, this phenomenon has caused landslides and flash floods, resulting in widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Hundreds of residents have been forced to evacuate to safer locations, leaving behind their uninhabitable homes. While relief efforts to provide temporary shelters have begun, many evacuees have expressed concerns about inadequate comfort, particularly in coping with scorching heat and heavy rains.
In response, KATGAMA Peduli, a relief program initiated by the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Engineering, Gadjah Mada University (KATGAMA), has taken tangible steps to support the displaced residents by constructing temporary shelters (huntara) tailored to meet their needs. These innovative shelters are designed by Prof. Eugenius Pradipto, a distinguished professor from the Department of Architecture and Planning at UGM. The KATGAMA Bamboo Shelter is not merely a roof over their heads but a sanctuary designed to provide comfort during difficult times.
Measuring 6 x 6 meters, the bamboo shelters adopt a stilt house concept, featuring bamboo plupuh roofs specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The structures are equipped with optimized ventilation to ensure good air circulation, storage space above, and wall-mounted racks to maximize functionality. These shelters are designed to last up to one year, providing a humane and practical temporary solution for evacuees.
A total of 10 shelters are planned for construction in Lembur Sawah Village, Pabuaran District, Sukabumi Regency, with the capacity to accommodate up to 40 families. The project emphasizes the use of local materials to promote sustainability while empowering local communities to participate in the construction process. Construction began on December 23, 2024, and is expected to be completed within two months.
The KATGAMA Bamboo Shelters offer more than just a temporary reprieve for displaced residents during this emergency; they symbolize care and hope. By prioritizing comfort, these shelters aim to provide a sense of safety and dignity for affected residents as they await relocation to permanent housing. These shelters align with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By utilizing local materials, promoting community involvement, and providing safe, dignified temporary housing, this initiative supports efforts to build resilient communities and ensure sustainable living conditions for those affected by disasters.
