In the wake of the 2012 Gamalama Volcano eruption, the Togurara River faced significant challenges posed by lahar flows, threatening both the surrounding communities and critical infrastructure, including Ternate City and Sultan Babullah Airport. To mitigate these risks, a series of sabo dams were constructed between 2013 and 2018, showcasing a proactive approach to disaster management in volcanic regions.
Ardian Alfianto, a researcher from Balai Litbang Sabo, led a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of these structures. His team conducted field surveys and interviews with local residents and management agencies, revealing that the initial capacity of the sabo dams was insufficient to handle the sediment volume from upstream. “The built-in capacity of the Sabodam has not been able to control the volume of sediment in the upstream of the river,” Alfianto noted, emphasizing the necessity for additional interventions.
The subsequent construction of several more sabo dams resulted in a notable decrease in the riverbed slope from 9.09% to 6.83%. This change has had a direct impact on lahar flow dynamics. The maximum recorded lahar flow, which once reached heights of 7 meters, has now been reduced to 4.2 meters. Alfianto explained, “As the slope of the Togurara River slopes progressively, the lahar flow rate and its destructive power are reduced, so that Ternate City and Sultan Babullah Airport are spared from lahar disaster.”
This research not only highlights the importance of sabo technology in managing volcanic hazards but also underscores the commercial implications for the construction sector. The demand for such infrastructure is likely to rise, as communities and governments seek to enhance their resilience against natural disasters. The findings published in ‘Jurnal Teknik Hidraulik’ (Journal of Hydraulic Engineering) serve as a critical reference for future projects, potentially guiding investments in similar protective measures across other volcanic regions.
As the construction industry adapts to the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, studies like Alfianto’s could pave the way for innovative engineering solutions that prioritize safety and sustainability, ensuring that both urban centers and their inhabitants are better protected against the forces of nature.
