It was a bit strange when we heard a researcher with the BPPT, Widjo Kongko, was summoned by the Banten Police following something he disclosed in a discussion held by the BMKG on Sunday (8/4/2018).
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Research is very important not only for the advancement of science, but also for the glory of the nation, both in terms of prestige or economic prosperity.
In this context, it was a bit strange when we heard a researcher with the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Widjo Kongko, was summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department of Banten Police following something he disclosed in a discussion held by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on Sunday (8/4/2018).
As we read, in the discussion Widjo talked about the potential of a tsunami’s height in a number of areas. From the assessment of computer modeling and the scenario from the smallest to largest earthquake, there is potential that a tsunami’s height may reach 57 meters in Pandeglang regency, Banten.
In the mass media, the research findings were interpreted as predictions. The researcher objected to the news reports, which according to him, failed to decipher his speech and even dramatized it, thereby causing the public to panic.
As a researcher, he disclosed his findings to build preparedness instead of triggering public panic. We need to pay attention to this case to address the issue.
First, we appreciate the spirit of the research by the BPPT scientist. He is one of the few geological and geophysics scientists Indonesia has. We feel this field of knowledge is increasingly important, especially given the awareness that the Indonesian people live in the Ring of Fire, a geological belt and rows of volcanoes that at any time have the potential to cause an earthquake or tsunami.
After a series of earthquakes and tsunamis, especially in Aceh in December 2004, the community was overwhelmed by the trauma of such terrible disasters. This is where we also expect the researchers to communicate the results of their studies explicitly, thoroughly and wisely so that their message can be comprehended clearly and does not cause public panic.
The mass media is obliged to improve its competence so that it can accurately decipher the message of research outcomes, does not dramatize it and pursues the mission to improve public awareness.
The last one is the official authorities. We are of the opinion that the Banten Police\'s decision to summon Widjo Kongko is too far. It is considered to be harassing professionals and a threat to the academic world. The future of research will be bleak if it is disrupted by the authorities.
We expect all parties to learn lessons after this event. Studies in the field of biotechnology and nuclear materials will always have the potential to cause controversy and commotion. Here too we see the growing importance of science and technology communicators, including the mass media, to improve their competence and be wiser in reporting science.
The public, authorities and other bodies such as the Indonesian Institute of Science, BPPT, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency and BMKG need to continuously improve the literacy of society on earthquakes, tsunamis and other scientific advances.