Indonesia’s Disaster Agency Maps Tsunami Preparedness in Banten

Banten: Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is mapping tsunami preparedness levels in several coastal areas of Banten Province.

The mapping covers Pandeglang and Serang regencies and Cilegon City using the standard Tsunami Ready indicators. 

Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, said the BNPB Deputy for Prevention team has been carrying out the assignment since Sunday September 6, 2026.

The activities include coordinating with local governments, monitoring conditions in affected areas, and providing assistance to strengthen preparedness for potential disasters. 

The move is aimed at ensuring that the government and public are prepared for the potential impacts of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity, including the threat of a tsunami in coastal areas with vital infrastructure that were previously affected by the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami. 

“The preparedness assessment was conducted in the Tanjung Lesung area, Sumberjaya Village, and Panimbangjaya Village in Pandeglang, as well as several coastal villages in Serang and Cilegon, to ensure that early warning systems are functioning properly,” Berton said, as reported by Antara on Thursday, September 10, 2026. 

In Pandeglang Regency, the BNPB team inspected several tsunami preparedness facilities and mechanisms. The monitoring results showed that the early warning sirens in Sumur and Panimbang districts were ready for operation. 

Evacuation routes are also available and properly marked. In addition, regular disaster simulations are conducted as part of community preparedness efforts. However, the Generation Warning Receiver System (WRS Gen) in Tanjung Lesung is still undergoing repairs. 

The next inspection was conducted in Serang Regency, covering Salira, Karang Suraga, and Anyar villages. BNPB noted that the Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FPRB) and coastal volunteers in the area are actively carrying out their roles.
 
Preparedness efforts are also supported by the presence of siren towers and evacuation route maps leading to safe areas. Based on the inspection, both facilities were still functioning normally. 

Meanwhile, monitoring in Cilegon City was conducted in Kubangsari. The BNPB team confirmed the presence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for early warnings, as well as the active role of village facilitators in disseminating disaster-related information. 

The tsunami siren located at the village office was also inspected to ensure that the device can be relied upon when needed. 

Berton appreciated the involvement of local governments and volunteer communities in maintaining the readiness of disaster monitoring and warning facilities in coastal areas. 

The effort is considered important to maintain the reliability of preparedness infrastructure while supporting the safety of communities living in coastal areas of Banten. 

(Razaqa Hariz)