"In 2023, we modernized 160 geological disaster monitoring system equipment and developed six volcano observation posts," Acting Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of ESDM, Muhammad Wafid, stated in a press conference, Friday.
Wafid made the statement at a press conference titled "ESDM Sector Achievements in 2023 and Work Program in 2024" in Jakarta.
The agency currently has 74 volcano observation posts spread across Indonesia, including those located on Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, and Mount Dukono in North Maluku.
Wafid explained that modernization of the monitoring system was conducted on earthquake sensor equipment (seismometer), deformation sensor (GPS, tiltmeter), CCTV, IR or thermal camera, and monitoring station support equipment.
Modernization aims to strengthen the basis of analysis and interpretation in building a monitoring system with newer equipment, faster data information and analysis system, as well as faster and more effective response capabilities.
"We have surveyed several locations. We then need monitoring points. We need to install seismic and deformation equipment around the top of the volcano. We will continue to do that," Wafid remarked.
In 2023, the agency also added four geological mappings of volcanoes, with a total of 116 maps; added two mappings of areas prone to volcanic disasters, 111 maps; and added six units for developing volcano observation posts, with a total of 19 post units.
In addition to modernizing equipment to detect volcanic eruptions, the agency is modernizing information technology, so that eruption information can quickly be entered into the monitoring dashboard.
The eruption monitoring system owned by the Geological Agency is directly connected to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), so that the early detection system or early warning system can quickly reach the public.
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Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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