Jakarta, INTI – The Government of Indonesia is set to develop undersea fiber optic cable-based technology to enhance the accuracy and coverage of the country’s tsunami early warning system, particularly in detecting disasters triggered by seismic activities in megathrust zones.
This initiative forms part of an innovative collaboration between Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Telkom Indonesia. The technology will be integrated into the existing tsunami early warning framework managed by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
“This is an example of an innovative research effort aimed at strengthening the existing tsunami early warning system,” said BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati in Jakarta on Friday, May 30, 2025, as quoted by Antara News Agency.
Fiber Optic Cables as a Dual-Purpose Solution
According to Dwikorita, beyond their conventional role in telecommunications and data exchange, undersea fiber optic cables present a promising solution to expand the sensor network in Indonesia’s maritime areas. The cables can detect changes in underwater pressure or wave activity, early indicators of potential tsunamis.
The widespread presence of these cables across Indonesian waters adds to their feasibility as an effective tool in monitoring seismic ocean activity. “If these cables can be adapted to detect tsunami signals, we can distribute sensors more evenly, reaching marine zones currently lacking detection systems,” she explained.
Rigorous Testing Before Integration
Dwikorita emphasized that the undersea fiber optic technology must undergo rigorous feasibility and compliance tests aligned with national standards before being officially incorporated into the Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS).
“Tsunami early warning is not only about advanced technology it also involves speed of response, precision of information, and the safety of millions of lives. That’s why any technological integration must meet strict criteria,” she asserted.
Surrounded by 13 Megathrust Zones
The urgency for such innovation is clear: Indonesia is encircled by 13 megathrust zones, as outlined in the 2017 Earthquake Hazard Source Map (Peta Sumber dan Bahaya Gempa, PuSGen). Two of the most concerning segments are the Sunda Strait Megathrust, stretching across southern Java and Bali, and the Mentawai-Siberut Megathrust, located west of Sumatra.
These zones remain a major source of concern for seismologists at BMKG. Historical data indicate that these segments have not released significant seismic energy for hundreds of years, suggesting a high probability of future large-scale earthquakes—events that often lead to tsunamis.
Indonesia’s Tsunami Detection Systems
Indonesia's primary tsunami detection system is known as InaTEWS (Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System), which was launched by BMKG in November 2008. One of its core components is the buoy system floating devices that monitor sea-level changes caused by undersea earthquakes.
According to Indonesia.go.id, InaTEWS enables BMKG to issue a tsunami early warning within five minutes of an earthquake. These alerts include a classification of threat levels ranging from Warning to Advisory and are followed by updates and eventual notices of threat termination.
InaTEWS operates with a dual-monitoring approach: land-based and ocean-based systems. The land component includes broadband seismometers and GPS networks, while the ocean system comprises buoys, tide gauges, and underwater surveillance via CCTV.
In late 2019, Indonesia reintroduced a new generation of buoys named InaBuoy, deployed across various tsunami-prone regions as part of efforts to modernize and strengthen national disaster preparedness.
Conclusion
As one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, Indonesia must continue to invest in resilient, adaptive, and forward-looking technologies. The integration of undersea fiber optic cables into the national tsunami detection system not only reflects a technological breakthrough but also a strategic move toward comprehensive disaster mitigation. By combining innovation with scientific rigor and cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia is taking a vital step toward securing the safety of its coastal communities and enhancing its readiness for future seismic threats.
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