Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with PT Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk, is developing an early warning system for earthquakes based on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology.
This innovative disaster management system utilizes Telkom’s undersea optical cable infrastructure as a key component to detect seismic activity in real time.
The innovation is considered a strategic breakthrough in geological disaster mitigation, particularly in addressing the threat of potential megathrust earthquakes.
“This technology offers a fast and precise solution capable of reaching high-risk areas that have long lacked adequate monitoring,” said Professor Kuwat Triyana, a member of the research team, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, during a meeting with the President Director of PT Telkom Indonesia and the board of directors at Telkom Hub, Jakarta.
Professor Triyana explained that the DAS-based earthquake detector works by sensing primary waves (P-waves), which appear earlier than the more destructive secondary waves (S-waves).
This capability allows the system to issue warnings seconds to minutes before the main shock occurs, providing crucial time for early evacuation.
Data is processed in real-time and integrated with geospatial systems, enabling faster and more coordinated disaster response.
“This system represents a concrete and sustainable application of digital technology for disaster risk reduction,” he added.
The President Director of PT Telkom Indonesia, Ririek Adriansyah, emphasized the strategic value of the collaboration, not only in terms of disaster mitigation but also in protecting national infrastructure.
He noted that using optical cables as detection elements can also enhance the resilience of vital national assets against various natural threats.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that the partnership would strengthen the development of DAS technology as part of a broader initiative to support national resilience in both technology and information security.
“This collaboration is highly significant. In addition to enhancing the disaster early warning system, this technology holds strategic potential for securing Telkom’s undersea optical cable assets,” he said.
Adriansyah also stressed that the initiative enables substantial efficiency by leveraging existing infrastructure, namely, the undersea optical cables stretching from Sabang to Merauke.
These cables traverse several active subduction zones along the southern coasts of Java and Nusa Tenggara and the western coast of Sumatra.
“Without needing to install new sensors, this system can reach deep-sea areas previously uncovered by conventional warning systems,” he explained.
The Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation at UGM, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, welcomed the collaboration with PT Telkom in developing this DAS-based earthquake detection technology.
“We believe that synergy between academia and industry is key to producing technological innovations that impact society,” he stated.
According to Vice-Rector Hadmoko, the DAS technology currently under development is a solution for disaster mitigation and reflects UGM’s commitment to building a data-driven and inclusive disaster management system.
“We see great potential for this system to be applied across disaster-prone areas in Indonesia, particularly in coastal regions that remain most vulnerable,” he said.
As part of the ongoing technology trials, Vice-Rector Hadmoko emphasized that UGM serves as a research and development hub and as a driving force in providing disaster solutions grounded in community needs.
“The DAS initiative reflects UGM’s orientation toward innovations extending beyond the laboratory to reach the most vulnerable and underserved communities. As a people’s university, UGM believes that technology must synergize with, not replace, communities; it must empower their resilience,” he explained.
He added that UGM’s commitment to independent and collaborative research ensures that every innovation is relevant to Indonesia’s unique social context.
“With a spirit of sustainability, UGM continues to position science and technology as part of a long-term mission to build a stronger, more equitable Indonesia that is prepared to face future challenges,” he concluded.
The DAS-based earthquake detection system is currently undergoing trials along the southern coast of Java and is expected to be expanded to other high-risk regions.
The trial phase evaluates the technology’s effectiveness and lays the foundation for its integration into the national public warning system.
Additionally, UGM and PT Telkom Indonesia are formulating a collaborative protocol to enable open access to data for research and public policy purposes.
This initiative is expected to strengthen the national disaster management system, making it more integrated and responsive.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Photographs: UGM Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations