Govt launches press guidebook on early tsunami warning system

The government launched Tuesday a guidebook for the media on early an warning system for tsunamis, learning from past calamities that had struck several areas across the archipelago.

“We need to synergize the spread of information to involve more media on early warning systems for tsunamis,” Communications and Information Technology Ministry broadcast director Agnes Widiyanti told reporters.

Agnes said the book would help the press provide accurate, quick and proper coverage and reports regarding tsunami threats.

She attributed recurrent incidences of false alarms and rumors, which had turned out to be misinformation or outright hoaxes leading to media reports causing public panic.

The book, she said, would provide guidelines for the media in obtaining verified information from relevant authorities.

The book features steps that should be taken to spread information regarding early tsunami warnings, including a list of relevant authorities along with their contact numbers.

The book was compiled by initiatives from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI) and the Communications and Information Technology Ministry. UNESCO also provided assistance. (rpt)