BMKG, Police Investigate Cause of Failed Tsunami Detectors

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Geophysics, and Climatology Agency (BMKG) is set to investigate the main cause of the damage sustained by the tsunami detection system installed at the Sunda Strait following the devastating tsunami that hit the region.

“The Banten police in conjunction with the BMKG will study the damaged equipment, especially the tsunami detectors,” said National Police Main Headquarter’s head of public relations Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo today.

The investigation will be focused on finding out whether the damages can be rooted in human interference, lack of maintenance, or natural factors. The BMKG will map put which section of the ocean the detectors were installed.

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Asked if the probable cause is by human interference, police said that it will open a criminal investigation.

The lack of crucial warnings from the area’s early warning systems of an impending tsunami was highlighted by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in his visit to the affected areas on December 23. “I have ordered for damaged equipment to be replaced as early as January,” the president said.

ANDITA RAHMA