Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has partnered with PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom Indonesia) to develop an earthquake early warning system utilizing Telkom Indonesia’s undersea optical cable network. The system is based on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology, which enables real-time detection of seismic activity through existing telecommunication infrastructure.
The DAS system functions by detecting primary seismic waves (P-waves), which occur before the more destructive secondary waves (S-waves). According to UGM physicist, Professor Kuwat Triyana, this allows the system to issue early warnings seconds to minutes before the main shock, providing valuable time for evacuation and emergency response.
The collected seismic data is processed in real time and integrated with geospatial systems to support faster and more coordinated disaster management. The system is designed to improve earthquake preparedness, particularly in regions vulnerable to megathrust earthquakes.
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President Director of PT Telkom Indonesia, Ririek Adriansyah, stated that the collaboration reflects the strategic use of digital infrastructure for disaster mitigation. “This collaboration is highly significant. In addition to enhancing the disaster early warning system, this technology holds strategic potential for securing Telkom Indonesia’s undersea optical cable assets,” he said.
He emphasized that leveraging existing infrastructure, namely, the undersea optical cables stretching from Sabang to Merauke, adds value without requiring the installation of new sensors. The cables traverse several active subduction zones, particularly along the southern coastlines of Java and Nusa Tenggara and the western coast of Sumatra.
Adriansyah noted that this approach supports a sustainable and efficient model for expanding earthquake monitoring coverage, especially in deep-sea areas not reached by conventional systems.
The project is part of ongoing efforts to apply advanced technology in reducing disaster risks across Indonesia.
