Mount Semeru Activity Monitoring Equipment Plus For Citizens' Security

Mount Semeru which was monitored through CCTV footage at the Lumajang BPBD (ANTARA/HO-BPBD Lumajang)

LUMAJANG - Head of the Lumajang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Patria Dwi Hastiadi said the monitoring tool for Mount Semeru's volcanic activity was added to the security of residents, especially along the cold lava route.

"The addition of Mount Semeru's volcanic activity monitoring tool is very important to improve the early Warning System (EWS) system in disaster-prone areas due to urgent needs in a number of areas along the cold lava flow route," he said in Lumajang, Antara, Monday, February 3.

According to him, the addition of monitoring tools is very much needed, especially at several points in the lower area or along the flow of the cold lava of Mount Semeru.

"The areas ranging from Candipuro to Pasirian sub-districts must be equipped with an EWS system so that they can immediately warn the public if there is a danger at any time," he said.

He explained that the Lumajang BPBD had installed EWS equipment at several strategic points. In the Lumajang area, monitoring tools have been installed in Supiturang Village, Pronojiwo District, as well as in Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District.

Outside Lumajang Regency, the installation of EWS equipment was also carried out in Tamansatiyan Village, Tirtoyudo District, Malang Regency, and in Ngadisari Village, Sukapura District, Probolinggo Regency.

"The validity and functionality of EWS devices installed in the area have no problems. The monitoring tool has been running well and functioning optimally, assisting volunteers in providing up-to-date information about potential hazards that may arise from the activities of Mount Semeru," he said.

Patria mengatakan saat ini ada rencana untuk menambah jumlah alat pemantauan tersebut dengan bantuan dari pemerintah pusat yang bekerja sama dengan Pemerintah Swiss.

"The process of procuring additional equipment is still in the study stage and the types of EWS tools that will be used are being adjusted to the needs in the field," he said.

With the addition of the monitoring tool, it is hoped that it will further increase the preparedness and security of the people living in areas prone to the Mount Semeru disaster.

"The Lumajang Regency Government (Pemkab) continues to provide maximum protection to residents through various disaster mitigation efforts that are effective and on target," he said.

He hopes that the wider installation of EWS equipment in the Mount Semeru lava flow area can make a significant contribution to disaster mitigation efforts.

"The addition of this tool is expected to reduce potential risks and accelerate the provision of information to the public, especially in the face of potential natural disasters that are unexpected," he said.