TAIPEI – Indonesia is looking to Taiwan’s decades of experience in earthquake preparedness as it develops its own early warning systems and strengthens its disaster resilience, according to a leading Indonesian seismologist. The collaboration comes as both nations, situated in a highly active seismic zone, seek to mitigate the devastating impacts of earthquakes.
Dimas Salomo Januarianto Sianipar, an assistant professor at the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics’ State College of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics, highlighted Taiwan’s evolution from reactive disaster response to proactive, science-based planning during a seminar in Taipei on Thursday. He emphasized the importance of adapting Taiwan’s integrated framework to Indonesia’s unique context. This collaboration on earthquake risk management is a critical step for both countries.
Taiwan’s commitment to earthquake preparedness was dramatically shaped by the magnitude-7.3 earthquake of 1999, often referred to as the 921 earthquake. The disaster claimed the lives of over 2,400 people and prompted a fundamental shift in the island’s approach to disaster management. Since then, Taiwan has prioritized science-based planning, resilient infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. Sianipar noted that Indonesia began developing its own earthquake early warning systems in 2024, directly inspired by Taiwan’s successes.
Key Factors in Taiwan’s Success
Sianipar identified several key elements contributing to Taiwan’s progress in reducing earthquake risk. These include coordinated efforts between public and private sectors, a strong emphasis on science-based management, investment in resilient infrastructure, the implementation of effective early warning systems, and robust community preparedness initiatives. He stressed that these factors, working in concert, have significantly improved Taiwan’s ability to withstand seismic events.
The professor, who earned his Ph.D. From the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) Earth System Sciences, a joint program of Academia Sinica and National Central University, has deep ties to Taiwan’s scientific community. His research focuses on observational earthquake seismology, and he currently divides his time between Indonesia’s BMKG and academic positions in Taiwan. He understands firsthand the complexities of building effective disaster preparedness systems.
Indonesia’s Challenges and the 2023 MOU
In contrast to Taiwan, Sianipar explained that Indonesia currently lacks a fully integrated and adaptive earthquake disaster preparedness framework. He pointed to gaps in real-time data utilization, advanced risk modeling, and community engagement as areas needing improvement. Indonesia’s vast archipelago and complex geological landscape present unique challenges to implementing a nationwide early warning system.
Recognizing the need for collaboration, Taiwan and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2023 focused on earthquake science and disaster management. This MOU has facilitated the exchange of experts and promoted capacity building in disaster prevention, laying the groundwork for Indonesia to learn from Taiwan’s experience. Sianipar’s current visit is a direct result of this strengthened partnership.
A “Tested Example” for Disaster Mitigation
Sianipar believes that adapting Taiwan’s framework is crucial for Indonesia because it offers a “tested example of how sustained political commitment, science-based planning, strict infrastructure regulation and early warning integration” can dramatically reduce disaster impacts. He emphasized that the Indonesian context requires tailoring the approach, but the core principles remain universally applicable.
The professor delivered his remarks as the keynote speaker at a half-day international forum organized by the TaiwanICDF, Taiwan’s primary organization for international development aid. The forum, held quarterly, brings together local and international experts to discuss the latest trends in global development assistance.
The collaboration between Taiwan and Indonesia represents a significant step towards enhancing earthquake resilience in a region prone to seismic activity. By sharing knowledge and expertise, both countries are working to protect their citizens and minimize the devastating consequences of future earthquakes.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on implementing the strategies outlined in the 2023 MOU and continuing the exchange of expertise between Taiwan and Indonesia. Further updates on the progress of Indonesia’s earthquake early warning system are expected in the coming months.
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