TDMRC and BMKG Researchers at IRIDeS Tohoku University
Sendai, Japan – The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) embarked on an official visit to Japan as part of the continued collaboration under the Indonesia Disaster Resilience Project (IDRIP), aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and mitigation for the Palu region. The delegation from TDMRC was led by TDMRC representatives: Prof. Syamsidik, Haekal Azief Haridhi Ph.D, Arifullah, M.Si, Eka Oktavianus, M.Si and Hayyan Ghiffari, S.T.
The visit commenced with a series of field trips to sites affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, providing invaluable insights into Japan’s disaster response and resilience strategies. The first stop was Sendai Arahama Elementary School, which has since been transformed into a memorial site to honor the victims of the tsunami. The school showcases a poignant exhibition, including photos and a documentary that highlight its condition before and after the disaster.
Following this, the delegation visited Memorie de Yuriage, a memorial structure dedicated to the residents of the Yuriage area. The site serves as a place of remembrance, emphasizing the resilience of the local community in the face of tragedy. The team then toured Sendai Airport and Nakahama Elementary School, both of which suffered significant damage during the 2011 tsunami. Nakahama Elementary School became a lifesaving refuge, providing shelter to 90 individuals including students and local residents who were evacuated to the school’s rooftop to escape the rising waters.
The delegation’s visit continued with a meeting at The International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) at Tohoku University. During this session, TDMRC and BMKG shared the progress of their research on physical and numerical modeling for the 2018 Palu tsunami. This research aims to improve the understanding of tsunami behavior in the region and develop more effective disaster mitigation strategies. The IRIDeS team provided valuable insights on the methodologies used in Japan for tsunami and landslide simulations, offering constructive feedback on the Palu tsunami study. The session also allowed TDMRC and BMKG to discuss their future plans for a comprehensive study on tsunami-induced landslides in Palu, seeking expert advice on this critical area.
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI)
In Tokyo, the team visited the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), where they explored state-of-the-art tsunami flume facilities and physical modeling systems for landslide simulations. The delegation met with Masafumi Matsuyama (Asc. Vice President), Chiaki Tsurudome (Researcher), and Naoto Kihara (Senior Researcher) to learn about the latest innovations in disaster modeling techniques, which have proven instrumental in Japan’s disaster preparedness efforts.
This official visit is an essential step toward strengthening the collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in disaster mitigation research. The knowledge gained will contribute significantly to enhancing disaster resilience in Indonesia, particularly in the Palu region, which remains vulnerable to tsunamis and other natural disasters. By adopting Japan’s advanced methodologies and insights, TDMRC and BMKG are better equipped to develop and implement disaster preparedness strategies that will protect communities in Palu and beyond.
The researchers from TDMRC and BMKG took a group photo with the researchers from IRIDeS
