Multi-Disciplinary Hazard Reduction from Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Indonesia

<jats:p>Indonesian and Japanese researchers have conducted a three-year, multi-disciplinary, cooperative research project. The project provides a platform for collaboration among researchers in natural science, engineering, and social or humanity sciences, and for officials in national and local governments. Research activities are grouped into (1) evaluation of earthquake potential and prediction of strong-motion and tsunami hazards based on geophysical investigations, (2) shortterm and long-term predictions of volcanic eruptions and development of methods for their evaluation, (3) establishment of social infrastructure based on engineering developments, (4) mitigation of social vulnerability to geohazards, and (5) promotion of disaster education and raising of disaster consciousness. To coordinate these research activities and to utilize the research results, the project has one last group, (6) application of the research and establishment of a collaboration mechanism between researchers and government officials. In addition to research collaboration in individual fields, inter-group meetings and workshops are regularly held to promote inter-disciplinary discussion and collaboration. Multi-disciplinary surveys on recent volcanic and tsunami disasters have also been conducted. The Joint Coordinating Committee, composed of representatives of relevant Indonesian ministries and institutions as well as project leaders, oversees the unique multi-institutional and multidisciplinary activities. This committee can be maintained after the completion of the project as a platform for Indonesian stakeholders.</jats:p>