Technology Only a Support: BMKG Says Public Tsunami Preparedness Remains Priority
The head of BMKG, Teuku Faisal Fathani, has affirmed that no matter how sophisticated earthquake and tsunami monitoring technology may be, it will not be able to save communities unless it is accompanied by preparedness and rapid response at the regional and coastal community level.
In his opening remarks at a webinar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Pangandaran Earthquake and Tsunami on Thursday (16/7), Faisal said Indonesia has undergone a major transformation in its tsunami mitigation system over the past two decades. According to him, the 2006 Pangandaran tragedy was one of the important turning points in the development of the national early warning system.
“Currently, InaTEWS is supported by a network of seismograph sensors, hundreds of tide gauges, and high-performance computing systems capable of analysing tsunami potential and issuing early warnings in less than three minutes,” he said.
Nevertheless, Faisal reminded that technology is only one link in the chain of safety. Early warning information must be understood and immediately acted upon through evacuation by regional governments and communities alike.
“No matter how impressive the monitoring technology is, it will not be able to save lives if it is not connected to communities downstream,” he explained.
He said the main strength in the tsunami safety chain lies in the readiness of communities within seconds of receiving a warning. For that reason, education, routine drills, and cross-sector collaboration must continue to be strengthened.
According to Faisal, BMKG, together with BNPB, regional governments, and academics, continues to promote the tsunami-ready community programme so that a disaster-aware culture takes deeper root in society. With such a culture, every citizen is expected to know the steps for saving themselves when a tsunami threat occurs.
Faisal assessed that disaster challenges in the future will not diminish. However, with synergy between institutions and community participation, Indonesia can build stronger coastal resilience.
“Let us use this commemoration to strengthen our commitment to the safety of future generations,” he said.
He added that the experience of the past 20 years shows significant progress in tsunami monitoring and early warning systems, but the most important lesson remains the same: technology must go hand in hand with community preparedness so that loss of life can be minimised when disaster strikes. (E-4)
BMKG seismologist Pepen Supendi reminded communities in coastal areas not to ignore earthquakes that feel weak but last for a considerable time.