Yogyakarta New Airport Built to Withstand Quakes, Tsunamis

TEMPO.CO, Kulon Progo - Angkasa Pura I (AP1) designs the New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) in Kulon Progo to survive earthquake measuring up to 8.8 on the Richter scale. The airport is also constructed to withstand 4 meters of tsunami waves. 

"The airport's terminal building is designed with a green concept, and is made to bear off against earthquakes and tsunamis," AP1's project manager for the NYIA project, Taochid Purnama Hadi, said in Yogyakarta, Friday, Sep. 21. 

He said that the runway is built 4 meters above sea levels and 400 meters of the coast. 

The terminal is also located one kilometer away from the runway, giving time for rescue attempts when disasters happen. 

"We have discussed disaster risks with experts, academics, and professionals from Japan to simulate earthquakes and tsunamis at the new airport. We also consulted with the central BMKG about potential tsunami threats and their characteristics," he said.

The airport complex also has a crisis center building to be used as a temporary shelter and evacuation area for people who are stuck in the airport, as well as nearby residents, during disasters.

A spokesperson for the NYIA Project, Agus Pandu Purnama, said that runway would be positioned rather slightly at an angle to the coastline. This is to avoid the existence of crosswinds from the sea which might endanger flights.

"The runway is designed at a diagonal angle, so planes can take off and land easily as they would be positioned in the headwind direction," he said.

ANTARA