TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Earthquake researcher Mudrik Rahmawan Daryono questioned the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency’s (BMKG) finding regarding the Cugenang Fault that caused the 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Cianjur on November 21, 2022. Mudrik argued that the finding, which was based on the survey results and aerial monitoring, must be reexamined with various tests.

"In principle, we haven't found absolute certainty about the fault that causes the earthquake," Mudrik stated on Friday, December 9, 2022.

Mudrik who is also a researcher at the Earth and Maritime Research Organization of the National Innovation Research Agency (BRIN) argued that the fault discovery still requires clarification. From a morphological point of view, for example, the shape of the cracks that tear the morphology of the rock must be clearly visible.

The finding of the surface rupture must also be tested with trench tests, seismic data, geophysical surveys, georadar, and geoelectric. "There is no clear conclusion yet about surface rupture," said Mudrik

Mudrik also argued that there is no official rule regarding the area that must be emptied because of the active fault. However, the United States and New Zealand determine the vacant area at a distance of 15 meters each to the left and right of the fault line.

On Thursday, December 9, 2022, BMKG head Dwikorita announced the discovery of the Cugenang Fault line and recommended the area be emptied. Dwikorita said the 8-9 kilometer long fault zone starts from Nagrak Village to Ciherang in a southeast-northwest direction.

ANWAR SISWADI (CONTRIBUTOR)

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