BMKG Adds New Generation WRS To Strengthen Earthquake-Tsunami Early Warning

Map of earthquake events monitored by BMKG's Warning Receiver System (WRS New Generation) in Indonesia (ANTARA/HO.BMKG)

JAKARTA - Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati said, to strengthen the earthquake and tsunami early warning system, BMKG increased the number of New Generation Warning Receiver Systems (WRS) in all corners of the country.

Increasing the number of earthquake detection sensors or seismographs throughout Indonesia to increase the speed and accuracy of information.

"To date, there are 428 sensors that have been installed throughout Indonesia. The number will continue to grow to close the network to improve performance, speed and accuracy of information and tsunami early warnings issued by the BMKG," explained Dwikorita in a written statement in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, March 19.

In line with Dwikorita, the Head of the BMKG Engineering Seismology Center, Rahmat Triyono, added that with the current BMKG earthquake sensor, the detection capability is getting higher.

According to him, if previously an earthquake with a magnitude of below 4 was faintly detected, now an earthquake with a magnitude of 4 can be easily detected.

However, he said, the density of sensors and seismic detection facilities still needs to be increased considering the length of Indonesia's coastline which is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.

"Currently, micro-earthquakes can be detected. It is important, with strong detectability, to map new sources of earthquakes that have not been known so far. The estuary is still more comprehensive mitigation efforts to reduce the risk posed by earthquakes," he said. he.

Meanwhile, Acting Head of the BRIN Hydrodynamic Technology Research Center, Widjo Kongko said that BRIN wanted to collaborate with BMKG to jointly build a tsunami modeling system to support the Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System or InaTEWS program.

"Starting from this year and next year we are optimistic that we can do it and hopefully it can go well," said Widjo.