The Bali government recently inaugurated the new Tsunami Early Warning and Response System Center (InaTEWS). This major project is part of Indonesia’s national “Disaster Resilience Development Plan,” led by the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) with support from the World Bank.
The new warning center, located in Bali, not only monitors earthquakes and tsunamis in real-time but also serves as a backup site for the Jakarta Command Center. In the event of a major disaster, it will quickly relay information and initiate response actions.
During the system’s inauguration ceremony, Bali’s Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta stated that the new warning system would not only improve the government’s response speed but also bring greater peace of mind to both locals and tourists. He emphasized, “We hope this center will bring more safety and stability to the people of Bali.”
Disaster Preparedness Efforts Extend Beyond This, More Command Centers to Be Established Locally
Lieutenant General Suharyanto, Head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, noted that the establishment of this center is just the beginning. In the future, local-level command stations will be built in various provinces and districts to ensure a more robust national disaster preparedness network.
Bali Lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Risks Cannot Be Ignored
Bali is located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” where the risks of earthquakes and tsunamis are ever-present. As early as 2023, Made Rentin, Head of Bali’s Disaster Prevention Agency, pointed out that Bali’s warning facilities were far from sufficient, ideally requiring 41 tsunami warning points.
Now, the new InaTEWS operations center will serve as the hub for disaster reporting on the island, addressing previous shortcomings in infrastructure.
Tourists Should Remain Cautious, Insurance and Emergency Knowledge Are Essential
Although disasters are not frequent, tourists visiting Bali should still pay attention to their safety, purchase travel insurance that covers natural disasters, and familiarize themselves with emergency evacuation routes and shelter instructions.
Volcanic activity around Bali is frequent. For example, the Lewotobi volcano in the Flores Islands erupted multiple times in 2024 and this year, affecting air transport to Bali.
Predicting Earthquakes Remains Challenging, Science Cannot Yet Accurately Forecast Them
In August 2024, BMKG warned Indonesia to be alert to potential distant tsunamis triggered by the Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake in Japan, but also clarified that current science cannot accurately predict the timing of earthquakes.
Cahyo Nugroho, Director of BMKG Bali, stated: “We are not predicting that an earthquake is imminent, but rather reminding the public to remain vigilant.”
Pay attention to this evacuation sign when at Bali’s beaches
FAQ
What is Bali’s Newly Activated Tsunami Early Warning System?
It is a new alert command center established by the Indonesian government, capable of quickly disseminating earthquake and tsunami information to the public and tourists.
Is Bali prone to earthquakes or tsunamis?
Yes, Bali is located in an earthquake-prone zone. While the probability is low, the risk still exists.
How can travelers protect themselves?
Purchase travel insurance, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes at your accommodation, and pay attention to local announcements.
Where should I go if a natural disaster occurs?
Follow instructions from your hotel or local authorities to proceed to tsunami evacuation zones, staying away from the coast.
