April 16, 2025 | 07:09 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), in tandem with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), is currently studying the potential risk of a tsunami impacting the proposed site for the first Nuclear Power Plant (PLTN) in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This assessment employs high-resolution numerical modeling of the region's topography (land elevation) and bathymetry (underwater depths).
Widjo Kongko, a researcher from BRIN's Hydrodynamic Technology Research Center, explained that the modeling simulates a 9.1 magnitude earthquake originating from the seismically active Manila Trench subduction zone, which is known for its considerable tectonic activity.
Simulation results indicate that a tsunami generated by such an event could reach 0.62 meters in the South China Sea and arrive at Gosong Beach in approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes.
Widjo stated that this ongoing research, initiated in 2023 and continuing through 2025, aims to determine the extent to which potential tsunami threats could impact the feasibility of the PLTN construction site. "Tsunami threats from outside Indonesia still need consideration, especially for high-risk infrastructure like PLTN," he emphasized in a written statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Despite the relatively low wave height, Widjo cautioned that the risk of cooling system damage and operational disruptions exists if design planning does not account for worst-case scenarios. PLTN utilizes seawater for cooling, with intake pipes located 1.5 to 2 kilometers offshore at a depth of 10 meters. Tsunami-induced pressure changes and currents could compromise the stability, performance, and effectiveness of this cooling system.
Widjo further detailed that the research uses seven modeling domains, ranging from global to local scales with a detailed 1-meter resolution, integrating current data from sources like GEBCO, BATNAS, DEMNAS, and field surveys using drones (UAV), GNSS, and echosounders.
The highest simulated tsunami wave height was recorded on the western side of Semesak Island (0.62 meters), while the height ranged from 0.49 to 0.61 meters on the northern side of Gosong Beach.
According to Widjo, Gosong Beach's flat topography and sedimentation could exacerbate flooding. He warned that a tsunami coinciding with the Highest High-Water Level (HHWL) could result in a combined water height exceeding 1.5 meters. "For the feasibility study of PLTN design and site planning, we must prepare systems and mitigation that can address these potential threats," he asserted.
This research was published in the January 2024 edition of the International Journal of Renewable Energy Development under the title "Assessing the Potential Tsunami Source of the Manila Trench at the Bengkayang Nuclear Power Plant Site in Kalimantan Using Topographical Details."
Widjo added that the next study will assess the tsunami risk at the same location originating from underwater landslides off Brunei. This will complement the previous analysis of potential tsunami threats from both tectonic and non-tectonic sources and is intended to serve as a technical reference for Environmental Impact Analysis documents and PLTN site safety evaluations, in accordance with the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) Regulations No. 4 of 2018 and No. 6 of 2014.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia's Bappenas Plans to Build a Nuclear Power Plant
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
BMKG Says Indonesia Expects Shorter Dry Season in 2025
21 jam lalu
Since the end of March, most of Indonesia is still in the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, according to BMKG.
BMKG: Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Jolts Indonesia's Sukabumi, Garut Regencies
1 hari lalu
The earthquake was felt in parts of Garut, Cianjur, and Sukabumi early Tuesday morning but caused no reported damage, says the BMKG.
Rain Expected in Jakarta This Afternoon, BMKG Reports
1 hari lalu
BMKG forecasts that Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi will be mostly cloudy today with a chance of rain in the afternoon until evening.
Italian Minister: Second Round of US-Iran Nuclear Talks to be Held in Rome
1 hari lalu
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the second round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Rome
BMKG Reports Warming Sea Surface Temperature as Dry Season Approaches Indonesia
1 hari lalu
BMKG reported that the current rise in sea surface temperature in Indonesia mirrors what happened in November-December last year.
Indonesia's Dry Season Expected to Be Shorter, Says BMKG
2 hari lalu
The Meteorology, Climatology, & Geophysics Agency (BMKG) says that this year, the dry season in most parts of Indonesia will be shorter than usual.
BMKG Explains Loud Sounds Accompanying Bogor Earthquakes
5 hari lalu
A series of shallow earthquakes struck the Bogor area on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Trump Warns of 'Great Danger' if U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Fall Through
6 hari lalu
Earlier, Trump announced plans for high-level nuclear talks with Iran during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
BMKG Issues Warning as Transition Season Hits Most Regions in Indonesia
7 hari lalu
The BMKG will continue to issue early warnings for heavy rainfall accompanied by sudden thunderstorms. Where is the potential for heavy rain?
Sangihe Islands Hit by M5.1 Earthquake Followed by M3.9 Aftershock, Says BMKG
7 hari lalu
The two earthquakes occurred half an hour apart. BMKG recorded the earthquakes as shallow, with a depth of 24 kilometers in the Sulawesi Sea.
