TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tsunami researcher from the Assessment and Application of Technology Agency (BPPT) Widjo Kongko called for the government to seriously prepare mitigation plans for potential tsunami hitting the New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) in Kulon Progo.

According to Widjo, Kulon Progo’s coastline is a potential target for a tsunami ranging up to the height of 10-15 meters that can be triggered by the active plates in the region’s vicinity. The South Java Megathrust is one of the potential cause.

“The problem is whether they are prepared to face the threat of a potential tsunami. Who will take responsibility,” said Widjo in the midst of a panel discussion in Yogyakarta on Monday, January 14.

The Deputy Assistant of sailing, fisheries, and tourism infrastructure at the Maritime Affairs Ministry Rahman Hidayat said that the government is making a master plan upon reducing the risks caused by natural disasters.

However, Rahman said that there are no special allocated budgets that fund the infrastructure mitigation prior to a tsunami and earthquake. The New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) that is orbited as the tourism backbone for Magelang’s Borobudur Temple is set to be fully operable in April 2019.

SHINTA MAHARANI (CONTRIBUTOR)