BMKG installs ship navigation tsunami detection equipment in West Sumatra

Padang (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has installed a high-frequency radar, a navigation tool to assist ship crossings while also functioning to confirm the presence of tsunami waves in the coastal areas of West Sumatra (Sumbar). “This high-frequency radar, in addition to maritime crossing navigation, is also beneficial for confirming tsunamis,” said the Head of the Class 1 Padang Panjang Geophysics Station, Suadi Ahadi, when contacted in Padang on Monday. Suadi explained that the equipment was installed at two points: near Masjid Al Hakim in Padang City and in the Taman Anas Malik area of Pariaman City. This tool is considered vital as it can help provide information related to ship navigation departing from Padang City to Mentawai Islands Regency. Previously, BMKG used tsunami gates like tide gates, but they were still constrained in terms of confirming potential waves arriving at the beach. By installing the high-frequency radar, BMKG can validate the source of incoming tsunami waves much better than previous equipment. For illustration, the high-frequency radar installed in Padang City can detect incoming tsunami waves up to a distance of 140 kilometres. Meanwhile, the megathrust source or megathrust tsunami in Mentawai Islands Regency is around 200 kilometres away. “So, high waves can be monitored faster compared to using tsunami gates,” he said. Both devices are currently not yet operational because there are still several stages that BMKG must complete, especially regarding frequency settings. It is hoped that by May 2026, this early detection tool can be fully used. The installation of the high-frequency radar in Padang City is driven by the potential for the area to be directly affected by a megathrust tsunami. Therefore, several anticipatory measures are needed to prevent the worst impacts. “So, Padang City has a greater megathrust threat potential than other districts and cities in West Sumatra,” he stated.