To Minimize Tsunami Effects, BMKG Launches Radio And Android-Based Information System

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has launched an early warning system for earthquakes with the potential for tsunamis based on radio frequency or handy talky (HT) and an Android-based application. The head of the BMKG, Dwikorita Karnawati, launched the two information systems at the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Office in Cilacap Regency, Central Java.

In addition to launching an earthquake information system with the potential for a tsunami, this activity also carried out an evacuation route tracing starting from the fishing village in Tegalkamulyan Village, South Cilacap District, to Jalan Gatot Soebroto, Cilacap. The evacuation route is part of an independent simulation scenario when an earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter Scale (SR) occurs at 224 kilometers with a depth of 20 kilometers and has the potential for a tsunami.

"This early warning system, the upstream part is coordinated by the BMKG. The upstream part is the observation section, then data collection, then processing, analysis, prediction, and early warning. Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), and there is BPPT (Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology)," said Dwikorita, Monday, October 4.

He said the information calculated by the BMKG was sent to the community through the local government, especially the local BPBD Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) to be forwarded to the community in the villages. According to him, the early warning information system for an earthquake with the potential for a tsunami launched by the BMKG in Cilacap is intended to transmit information from the BPBD Pusdalops to the public.

"Why do we pay attention to that, because we learn from the facts on the ground. When (information from BMKG) arrives at the Pusdalops, it is not guaranteed to go directly to the community, among others because the earthquake was strong, the electricity went out. off. If the equipment goes out, the early warning system is stuck here," he explained.

That's why the information system that was launched is a backup for the early warning system from the BPBD Pusdalops to the community. This early warning system relies on the HT radio frequency, in case the electricity supply or cell phone or internet signal goes out due to an earthquake.

The initiator of the two early warning information systems, Setyoajie Prayoedie said the radio frequency-based information system (radio broadcaster) is one of the media for disseminating information on earthquakes and tsunami early warnings from the BMKG.

"This radio broadcaster, information is conveyed in the form of sound, not based on text or graphics, so that it is hoped that it can reach vulnerable groups of people, especially those who have problems seeing or reading. Since the information is in the form of sound, we hope that the information will be easier for the public," said he, who is also the Head of the Banjarnegara BMKG Geophysics Station.

According to him, the radio frequency-based early warning system uses relatively simple technology because people only need to listen to the radio frequency used by the BPBD, so that when an earthquake occurs, people will automatically hear the information.

As for the Android-based early warning system in the form of the Sirita (Sirens for Rapid Information on Tsunami Alert) application, he said, it was an alternative to the limited number of sirens installed.

"Due to the limited number of sirens installed, we automatically have to have an alternative solution. So, we developed a mobile phone-based tsunami siren application, called Sirita," he explained.

He said smartphone users who have installed the Sirita application will automatically receive a siren when the BPBD activates the tsunami early warning feature even if the phone is in a silent or vibrating position.

According to him, this is because his party has set the application in such a way that the phone can ring in any conditions.

"Hopefully, when there is a tsunami early warning from the BMKG, friends at the Pusdalops immediately activate a warning notification if it will have an impact in Cilacap and its surroundings, friends who install it will receive a warning in the form of text and sound, so they can immediately find a safe position," said Setyoajie quoted from Antara.