The idea of having a specific disaster research unit emerged several days after the Palu-Donggala catastrophic disasters back in September 2018. CSIS subsequently deemed natural disasters a pressing matter for consideration by the institution as such catastrophes caused more victims than do conventional wars. In accordance with its founding values, CSIS feels responsible to share knowledge to strengthen disaster management in Indonesia. Under the direct supervision of Executive Director Philips J. Vermonte, the previous research team on disaster preparedness is now developed into a research unit. Its activities focus as a convening platform to gather relevant insights from multi actors, produce policy recommendations, and sustain public debates on disaster management.