Building Resilience to Geological Hazards: Collaboration of RDI & British Geological Survey
RDI and the British Geological Survey (BGS) effectively organized a two-day workshop titled "Enhancing Understanding of Geological Hazards to Strengthen Disaster Risk Assessment in Indonesia." This workshop, held on January 24th and 25th, 2022, aimed to foster increased research collaboration and broader partnerships between Indonesian and UK agencies. Multiple experts participated as speakers to delve into the current landscape of geological hazard mitigation, sharing their extensive knowledge in their respective fields.
The first day of the workshop placed its focus on earthquake and landslide hazards. Dr. sc. Yoga Sendjaja from Padjadjaran University in Indonesia served as the keynote speaker for the day, with panelists including Dr. Saut Sagala, a Senior Research Fellow at RDI and ITB, Dr. Ekbal Hussain from the British Geological Survey in England, Dr. Ir. Dicky Muslim, M.Sc from Padjadjaran University in Indonesia, and Dr. Christian Arnhardt from the British Geological Survey in England.
The second day of the workshop centered on volcano and tsunami hazards. Dr. Devy Kamil Syahbana from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in Indonesia acted as the keynote speaker. The panelists for this day included Dr. Samantha Engwell from the British Geological Survey in England, Dr. Abdul Muhari, S.Si., M.T from the National Agency for Disaster Management in Indonesia, and Prof. Dr. David Tappin, also from the National Agency for Disaster Management in Indonesia. Ir. Andiani, M.T from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in Indonesia.
After each panelist's presentation, the participants were divided into three breakout groups to engage in in-depth discussions and assess potential challenges and gaps in the management and mitigation of each hazard. Throughout these discussions, various issues were raised, including concerns regarding hazard assessment in Indonesia's new capital, effective risk communication, data sharing practices, data collection methodologies, the incorporation of local wisdom in hazard management, the utilization of technology in hazard management, and more.
This workshop served as a valuable platform for participants to gain fresh insights into geological hazards in Indonesia, prompting thought-provoking discussions and discoveries in the field. The outcomes of these discussions will be further explored in subsequent workshops and may pave the way for collaborative research endeavors in the future.
