100 Years of Volcano Monitoring, State Must Give Sense of Security

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 279.Pers/04/SJI/2020

Date: 16 September 2020

100 Years of Volcano Monitoring, State Must Give Sense of Security

Becoming a volcano observation staff means putting oneself in the front line of disseminating the latest information on a volcano's activities. This is a huge responsibility to ensure public safety, especially for those living near a volcano.

The presence of volcano observation staffs will be even more important when the volcano they monitor show increased activities. These observation staffs are the public's main source of information about the volcano. Their up-to-date and accurate information can minimize loss of lives and property.

"Providing a sense of security is our obligation, in accordance with the mandate contained in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution. The State has the obligation to 'protect the entire Indonesian people and regions and to advance public welfare, to provide education for all Indonesian people', so it is appropriate that the state must provide a sense of security and, together with the public, play an active role in disaster mitigation," said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) Arifin Tasrif in his remarks to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Volcano Observation in Indonesia on Wednesday (16/9).

Disaster mitigation efforts are aimed at reducing disaster risks. Efforts such as surveys, research and mapping of potential hazards have to be made before a disaster strikes, followed by monitoring to provide early warnings. This way, people can prepare themselves so that the impacts of natural disasters can be reduced or eliminated.

The Ministry of EMR are playing an active role in reducing disaster risks according to its authority and responsibilities. It has continued to make efforts such as drawing geological hazards maps, for example, maps of areas prone to volcanic eruption, earthquakes, tsunamis and ground movements; providing technical recommendations, and disseminating information to communities living in disaster-prone areas.

In line with the Minister, Head of Geological Agency of Ministry of EMR, Eko Budi Lelono, said that the mission of the Ministry of EMR to minimize loss of lives and property from geological disasters had been carried out by the Geological Agency through Center for Volcanology and Mitigation of Geological Disasters (PVMBG). One of such efforts is the monitoring of active volcanoes across Indonesia.

Volcano monitoring activities in Indonesia has entered its 100th age, a period long enough to develop a comprehensive volcano monitoring system. "In accordance with our vision and mission, PVMBG is determined to become the key and most trusted agency in the mitigation of volcanic eruptions, land movements, earthquakes and tsunamis so as to save lives and property and to provide a sense of security to the community," said Eko.

Eko went on to explain that the volcano monitoring agency will continue to improve its monitoring system and infrastructure by referring to world standards for volcano monitoring. Because monitoring technologies are advancing, volcano monitoring activities can be carried out from a safe distance, comfortably, and responsively to support the task in volcanic disaster mitigation.

Speed and accuracy in information delivery will bring about positive impacts on many people and thus, minimize loss of lives and property.

"News about geological disasters across Indonesia can be obtained by the public through various electronic media which are widely distributed and accessible, whether news about volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and ground movements," Eko concluded. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

Share This!