Jakarta, Oct. 16 -- The Jakarta Provincial Government has urged schools, whether newly constructed or rehabilitated, to conduct regular disaster preparedness drills to improve the readiness of students and education staff, particularly in multi-story buildings.

"I have instructed the Head of the Education Agency that there must be frequent drills on how to anticipate disasters. While we certainly hope such events never occur, it is always better to be prepared," Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said in Jakarta on Friday.

Rano made the statement during visits to Public Elementary School (SDN) Lebak Bulus 04, Public Junior High School (SMPN) 299, and SDN Cilandak Barat 08. He noted that school buildings in Jakarta now frequently reach f...