In the shadow of Mount Semeru, a towering stratovolcano in Indonesia, lies the village of Supiturang, a community that has borne the brunt of nature’s fury. The 2021 eruption of Mount Semeru sent a devastating pyroclastic flow (APG) surging through the village, leaving a trail of destruction that has left residents and authorities grappling with the aftermath. Now, a groundbreaking study led by Aulia Rachmah Syuaibah from Universitas Brawijaya sheds light on the extent of the damage, offering crucial insights that could reshape disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in the region.
The study, published in the journal RUAS, focuses on the physical and non-physical damage inflicted by the APG, providing a comprehensive assessment of the structural integrity of homes in Supiturang Village. The findings are stark, painting a picture of a community still vulnerable to the whims of Mount Semeru.
Syuaibah and her team conducted extensive field surveys and structured interviews, meticulously documenting the damage to the upper, middle, and lower structures of the dwellings. The results are a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human-made structures in the face of such forces. “The housing at the study site remains susceptible to the risks associated with APG disasters in Mount Semeru,” Syuaibah stated, underscoring the urgent need for robust building standards and disaster mitigation strategies.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. The region is home to several power plants and energy infrastructure projects, all of which are at risk from future eruptions. The study’s findings could inform the development of more resilient energy infrastructure, ensuring that power supply remains stable even in the face of natural disasters. This is particularly crucial for Indonesia, a country heavily reliant on geothermal energy, with Mount Semeru itself being a potential source of geothermal power.
The research also highlights the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to disaster management. By integrating geological data, structural engineering, and community resilience, authorities can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of future eruptions. This could involve the development of early warning systems, improved building codes, and community education programs.
As Indonesia continues to develop its energy sector, the lessons from Supiturang Village serve as a stark reminder of the need for resilience. The study by Syuaibah and her team, published in RUAS, provides a roadmap for building a more resilient future, one that can withstand the forces of nature and ensure the safety and prosperity of communities living in the shadow of active volcanoes. The energy sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in this endeavor, investing in infrastructure that can weather the storms and keep the lights on, even in the face of adversity. The future of energy in Indonesia may well depend on it.