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AKARTA: The Indonesian Bicycle Committee (KSI) has formed a volunteer group, the South Jakarta Brigade I (Brigade I-JS), to help the Jakarta administration with disaster mitigation efforts.

KSI chairman Syahrul Effendi said on Friday that the formation of the group, which is collaborating with the Indonesia Red Cross (PMI) in Jakarta, aimed to help the administration anticipate and mitigate disasters in the city.

“Bicycles can be an effective means of transportation to mitigate disaster and other activities. I hope they can play a big role in the field,” Governor Fauzi Bowo said after receiving the group at City Hall.

He said cyclists would be able to access densely populated areas that experienced disasters.

“We know that heavy downpours occurred in Jakarta recently. I want Brigade I-JS to stay alert for flooding and the aftermath, such as dengue or diarrhea outbreaks, so they can lend a hand at shelters or help with the evacuation process for flood victims,” he said. The group will later be expanded throughout the city’s five municipalities.