“URGENSI” platform development to enhance disaster preparedness among the elderly

Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, lies between the Waru and Surabaya faults, making it prone to earthquakes and frequent flooding due to its dense population and inadequate drainage system. Among its residents, approximately 350,000 elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable during disasters because of limited mobility, physical frailty, and difficulty accessing information. However, research on disaster preparedness among the elderly and the use of technology-based support remains limited. This study aimed to develop and test “URGENSI”, a web-based platform designed for the elderly around UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur, following the ADDIE Model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). Stakeholder discussions informed the design process. The application integrates two main components: 1) KESTANA Assessment, a self-assessment tool to evaluate disaster and health preparedness, and 2) educational modules (KESTANA education and KITANA education) offering self-learning materials on health, disaster readiness and emergency kit preparation. Functionality testing was conducted with 25 elderly participants living near UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur. Results showed most respondents were neither healthy nor resilient when facing disasters. Nevertheless, participants rated the application as user-friendly, visually engaging, and easy to understand. Overall, URGENSI demonstrates strong potential to enhance disaster preparedness, support elderly health, and contribute to broader disaster risk reduction and community resilience efforts in Indonesia.