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Location of new Yogyakarta airport prone to tsunamis: Experts
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In preparation: An excavator clears land for construction of a new Yogyakarta airport in Kulonprogo regency. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)
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ocated around 200 meters from the coastal line in Kulonprogo regency, the new Yogyakarta airport would be at risk of getting hit by a tsunami caused by an earthquake, experts say.
The experts referred to earthquakes in the area as “silent earthquakes”.
Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) geotechnology research center head Eko Yulianto said recently that the institute’s research team had found evidence that a giant tsunami once occurred in the location where the new Yogyakarta airport would be built.
“From the carbon test, it is estimated the giant tsunami occurred around 1,800 years ago,” said Eko.
(Read also: New Yogyakarta airport still lacks tsunami mitigation plan)
The scientist further said evidence was also found that a giant tsunami hit Java’s southern coastal areas around 300 years ago. The conclusion was made by research conducted in coastal areas from Lebak, West Java, to Pacitan, East Java.
“The government must make a detailed risk analysis,” said Eko.
The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology’s (BPPT) program and technology service section official, Widjo Kongko, said the agency was examining several models to minimize tsunami impacts that would be used in the development of the new airport in Yogyakarta. (ebf)
