Jakarta, Dec. 4 -- The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development said that spatial planning is the key to mitigating future disasters.

The ministry's deputy for basic infrastructure coordination, Muhammad Rachmat Kaimuddin, said here on Thursday that spatial planning is an aspect which the ministry regulates. Moreover, his administration also coordinates the matter with regional governments, as regional people know the area better.

He reminded people that spatial planning is crucial because, for example, there are spaces which are suitable for housing, but at the same time the spaces have a risk of earthquakes and landslides.

Regarding the Sumatran disaster, he stated that currently the government is focusing on...