TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of densely-populated cities in Indonesia pose earthquake potential similar to that in Nepal. Yogyakarta has even seen the nightare of such catastrophic back in 2006.
Earthquake expert from the Technology Institute of bandung (ITB), Irwan Meilano, said that Nepal, Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Palu are all located in a former prehistoric lake and sedimentary ground. If tectonic quake occurs, massive damage is expected due to amplification factor.
“Amplification is likely to sedimentary ground, such as that in Yogyakarta 2006,” said Irwan. The sedimentary in Bandung itself, for example, is at 400-500 meters deep below the ground.
On the other hand, Jakarta also has sedimentary ground. However, it does not have close magnitude like that in Bandung, Yogyakarta, or Palu. Yogyakarta is highly threatened with Opak opening, while Palu is threatened by Palu-Koro opening.
“Goven the complex tectonic state, earthquake potential is also a concern in Indonesia. We have to brace ourselves against such massive hit,” said Iwan.
ANWAR SISWADI
