The Community Service Team (Pengmas) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia (UI) visited Pasuruan Village, Umbul Tanjung Village, Cinangka District, Serang Regency, Banten Province, on Thursday (10/17/2024). This visit aims to help the local community in reducing the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.
The team led by Dr. Eng. Supriyanto, together with Adde Nugroho, S.T., and Ari, was welcomed by Oman HM, Secretary of Umbul Tanjung Village. On that occasion, the team handed over three units of earthquake detectors, Earthquake Warning Alarm System (EWAS), which is installed at three locations in the village. The three locations are Al-Magfiroh Mosque, Al-Khairiyah Elementary Madrasah, and Umbul Tanjung Village Office, with a distance between points of about 300 meters.
EWAS, developed by earth experts from the Department of Geosciences, FMIPA UI since 2018, has been installed in various regions in Indonesia, such as Banyuwangi, Sukabumi, Ambon, and Lombok. This system is designed to provide early warning of earthquakes.
"This Community Service activity is a form of our contribution to the residents of Umbul Tanjung Village. Based on data from GIS Dukcapil in 2023, the population of Umbul Tanjung Village reached 5,052 people, the majority of whom are fishermen, considering the position of the village in the Sunda Strait," said Dr. Eng. Supriyanto.
The Sunda Strait, located between Java and Sumatra, is known as an area with high earthquake potential. This is due to the meeting of two major tectonic plates, namely the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which are actively moving and colliding.
"The potential for earthquakes in the Sunda Strait needs serious attention because this area is close to many densely populated settlements and coastal tourist destinations," he added. He also reminded of the devastating tsunami on December 22, 2018, caused by the eruption of Anak Krakatau, which hit the coast of Banten. The tsunami killed 426 people, injured 7,202 people, and left 23 people missing.
EWAS is expected to help the Umbul Tanjung Village community and the local government in increasing awareness of potential earthquakes and tsunamis. This system works by sending warning signals automatically and quickly when an earthquake occurs. This signal in the form of a loud siren sound will be heard in less than 5 seconds after the earthquake occurs.
"With EWAS, people do not need to wait for SMS or WhatsApp messages that are only received 5 to 10 minutes after the earthquake. As soon as the alarm sounds, people must immediately leave the building and go to a safer place," explained Dr. Eng. Supriyanto.
Oman HM, Secretary of Umbul Tanjung Village, expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the FMIPA UI Community Service team. He hopes that with EWAS, public awareness of the threat of earthquakes can increase 24 hours a day. Thus, it is hoped that the number of fatalities due to building collapse can be minimized.
"We also hope that the presence of EWAS will not only increase awareness, but also educate residents about the importance of disaster mitigation and the steps that must be taken when a disaster occurs," said Oman.
