BNPB Maps Tsunami Preparedness Along Banten Coast
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is mapping tsunami hazard preparedness in the coastal regions of Banten Province. The Acting Head of the BNPB Centre for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated that the agency is coordinating with local governments, monitoring affected areas, and providing assistance for tsunami readiness.
“The preparedness assessment is being conducted in the Tanjung Lesung area, Sumberjaya Village, and Panimbangjaya Village in Pandeglang, as well as several coastal villages in Serang and Cilegon, to ensure that early warning facilities are functioning,” he said in Jakarta.
Berton noted that the mapping aims to measure the readiness of the government and local communities in facing the potential impacts of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity, including tsunami hazards and settlements that were previously affected by the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami. The mapping process covers Pandeglang Regency, Serang Regency, and Cilegon City, using the standard ‘Tsunami Ready’ indicators.
In Pandeglang Regency, the BNPB team noted that early warning siren towers in the Sumur and Panimbang districts are operational, evacuation routes are well-installed, and regular disaster simulations are held. However, Berton mentioned that the Warning Receiver System (WRS) Gen in Tanjung Lesung is currently undergoing repairs.
In Serang Regency, inspections in Salira, Karangkarsuga, and Anyar villages showed that the activation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FPRB) and beach volunteers is operating optimally, supported by functioning siren towers and evacuation maps leading to safe points. Meanwhile, in Cilegon City, a review in Kubangsari Village confirmed the existence of early warning Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the active role of village facilitators in information dissemination, and the reliability of tsunami sirens near village offices.
BNPB reported that the distribution of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau is moving towards the Indian Ocean, and weather modification operations are being conducted to suppress air pollutants. While the Geological Agency stated that the continuous eruption episode of Mount Anak Krakatau has ended, the status remains at Alert Level III due to high eruption potential.
BNPB noted that 15 districts in Lampung and Banten have been affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, though no fatalities have been reported so far.
In other regional developments, the LENTERA programme has been launched in Banten to reduce female youth unemployment through skills training and job readiness. Additionally, a fire broke out at the Dengung landfill in Lebak Regency, covering 1,000 square metres, but officers managed to extinguish the flames within four hours.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has also requested an increase in the Available Funds (DSP) of Rp5.6 trillion from the Ministry of Finance. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has ensured that the budget is sufficient for disaster management across the country. Berton also reported that the government has delivered 2,165 tonnes of aid to earthquake victims in NTT, and the BNPB has received 240,000 masks from the private sector to support disaster-affected communities.