The Indonesian Archipelago is a vulnerable region for earthquakes and tsunamis. The joint team, The Waves Team” is currently working on an expedition to study paleo-tsunamis (ancient tsunamis) in Indonesian territory. The locations used as samples for the research include Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara and the Moluccas. The Waves Team is composed of researches from USA and Indonesia, an UPN Veteran” Yogyakarta is involved in this expedition. The USA team members is led by Prof. Dr. Ron Harris from Birgham University and the UPN Veteran Yogyakarta researchers, consisting of Geological Engineering lecturers and students of the Faculty of Mineral Engineering, is led by Dr. Ir. C. Prasetyadi.

            Based on the historical record provided in the Wichmann Catalog,  it is known that many earthquakes have occurred the Regency of Maluku Batardaya (Regency of Southwest Moluccas), in 1716, 1793, 1814, 1815, 1836, 1852, 1857 and in 1975. Statistically calculated, an earthquake takes place in a period of 37 years on the average. Calculated from the latest earthquake shaking the Regency of Maluku Baratdaya in 1975, no substantial earthquake has occurred for 42 years (exceeding the average interval statistically recorded for the region), which should a subject of concern and awareness for all the related parties and stakeholders.

Apart from the earthquakes, a number of tsunamis also happened in the past, in 1629, 1657, 1659, 1674, 1710 1711, 1754, 1763, 1815, 1820, 1837, 1841, 1852, 1857, 1859, 1882, 1885, 1891, 1899, 1914 and 1838. These tsunamis were caused by various earthquakes, in the Timor seabed, Banda seabed and by other sources.  Form the statistical record it is know that a tsunami takes place every 18 years on the average.

            It is not known which of the 21 tsunamis listed above were major tsunamis and local (minor) tsunamis. The sources of the 21 tsunamis originated to the north and east of the island of Moa. The most dangerous tsunamis are those the sources of which originate from the South, as the origin is closer to Timor deed seabed, as the source of an earthquake. It is therefore necessary to find the evidence from the tsunami deposits in the region of the regency of Maluku Barat daya.

            The approach is conducted by combining the data or historical records of tsunamis from 1500 to 1900 made by a Dutch scientist (The Wichmann Catalog) which has been translated and published by Prof. Ron Harris. The methods applied in this research include, inter alia, the creation of test pit, trenching, GPS, and drone.

In addition to the research done, the Team also socialized the findings of the research to the local BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency), Chairman and Commission A of the regional House of Representatives, nearby schools and the communities living in the vicinity of the research sites. In the socialization, the motto called “20-10-20” was also introduced to the stakeholders. The first figure 20 means that if an earthquake last 20 for seconds or longer, residents in the area must be evacuated, because the golden time only lasts for 10 minutes to evacuate to a safe location.

            The Team had conducted trenching and location observation and socialization in the activities performed in 5 days. The survey done is currently unable to cover all areas in the Regency of Maluku Baratdayadue to the limited time and budget (financial supports). However, the results obtained, are satisfying as the purpose and target have been accomplished, the finding of paleo-tsunami deposits (evidence of the existence of ancient tsunamis) in the village of Nuwewang.

            Based on the results gained from the interaction done during the socialization with the local communities and government, it is found that there should be increased capacity to be achieved via the socialization programs, construction of disaster-proof schools and trainings on earthquake and tsunami responses.  It is also considered necessary that the BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency) and the related Regional Technical Management Unit (SKPD) build cooperation in improving disaster awareness via the formation of contingency plan for earthquakes and tsunamis, the preparation of permanent procedures for the management of disasters, mapping and posting of evacuation path signs, locating temporary evacuation points, conducting the table top exercise and up to the on-site rehearsals in handling natural disasters, in particular earthquakes and tsunamis.