---
title: "Disaster preparedness in Indonesia: floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis"
canonical: https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/disaster-preparedness-indonesia/
language: en
category: "Emergencies & environment"
reviewed: 2026-10-14
modified: 2026-10-14
publisher: "Panduan Warga (independent; not a government website)"
reviewed-by: "Kaiser Khan (https://panduanwarga.org/en/about/kaiser-khan/)"
---

# Disaster preparedness in Indonesia: floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis

**How do I prepare for floods, landslides, earthquakes, eruptions and tsunamis, and what do volcano alert levels mean?**

Preparing for a disaster starts with three things: check the risk at your location on BNPB’s InaRISK, follow BMKG early warnings and volcano alert levels on MAGMA Indonesia, then pack a go-bag and agree a family plan. Volcano alerts have four levels: Level I Normal, Level II Waspada (advisory), Level III Siaga (watch) and Level IV Awas (warning); at every level, keep out of the exclusion zone in the PVMBG recommendation and follow the local disaster agency (BPBD). If you feel a strong earthquake on the coast, do not wait for a siren: move away from the shore to high ground at once.

## What to pack in a go-bag

- A waterproof bag (go-bag) that is easy to grab and carry.
- Important documents in a waterproof plastic folder, such as KTP-el, family card (KK), birth certificates, diplomas, land certificates and vehicle papers.
- Drinking water and long-life food, a first-aid kit and personal medicines.
- A torch or head torch, a whistle, a radio, plus a phone and power bank.
- A change of clothes and toiletries.
- A list of emergency and family phone numbers written on paper, not only saved in your phone.

## How to prepare for a disaster

1. **Check the risk where you live.** Open BNPB’s InaRISK at inarisk.bnpb.go.id, find your home, school or workplace, and switch on hazard layers such as floods, flash floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and forest and land fires. This shows which disasters you most need to prepare for.
2. **Install Info BMKG and follow early warnings.** Download the official Info BMKG app (free on Google Play and the App Store) or use bmkg.go.id. BMKG issues weather warnings for the next 0–6 hours, ten-day (dasarian) heavy-rainfall warnings down to regency and city level, and earthquake and tsunami information.
3. **Follow the volcano alert level if you live nearby.** Open MAGMA Indonesia (magma.esdm.go.id), run by PVMBG at the Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Check the alert level of the nearest volcano and read the Recommendations (Rekomendasi) in its latest report, which give the radius or sectors you must not enter. Also download the volcano’s hazard-zone (KRB) map.
4. **Pack a go-bag.** Fill a waterproof bag with important documents, first aid and medicines, long-life food and drinks, a light, a whistle, toiletries, a phone and power bank, and spare clothes. Keep it near the exit and check it regularly, especially food and medicines with expiry dates.
5. **Make a family plan.** Agree a meeting point, evacuation routes and who collects children, older relatives or family members with disabilities. Learn what local sirens and warning signals mean, note the numbers of relatives outside your town, and join disaster drills run by your neighbourhood, school or BPBD.
6. **Keep digital copies of documents.** Activate your Digital Population Identity (IKD) and save the electronically signed (TTE) PDF civil documents issued by Dukcapil. If originals are lost or damaged, digital copies make replacement easier. Never send photos of your KTP-el or KK to people or services you cannot verify.

## Costs and emergency numbers

Free. InaRISK, MAGMA Indonesia and the Info BMKG app cost nothing, and calls to the emergency numbers 110, 112, 113, 115 and 119 are free under Communications Ministry Regulation 14/2018. The only cost is what you put in your go-bag.

Volcano alert levels according to MAGMA Indonesia (PVMBG, Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources), checked 14 October 2026. The danger radius differs for each volcano, so always read the latest recommendation for that volcano.

| Level | Meaning according to MAGMA Indonesia | What residents should do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Level I (Normal) | Visual and instrumental readings fluctuate but show no significant increase in activity. | Carry on as usual, still respect any restrictions around the crater, and keep an eye on MAGMA. |
| Level II (Waspada) | Readings begin to show increased activity; some volcanoes may erupt. | Do not enter the radius or sectors excluded in the PVMBG recommendation, and learn your evacuation route. |
| Level III (Siaga) | Increased activity is increasingly clear, or the volcano is erupting. | Respect the exclusion zone, have your go-bag ready and follow BPBD instructions to prepare to evacuate. |
| Level IV (Awas) | Highest level: increased activity is increasingly clear, or the volcano is erupting. | Threatened areas are recommended to be cleared (BNPB); evacuate immediately when told to. |

The 112 service is run by regency and city governments (Communications Ministry Regulation 10/2016), so it may not be active where you live. Also save the direct numbers: 110 police, 113 fire service, 115 Basarnas search and rescue, 117 BNPB and 119 medical emergencies.

## Volcano alert levels and PVMBG recommendations

PVMBG (the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation) at the Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, monitors volcanoes and sets their alert level: Level I Normal, Level II Waspada, Level III Siaga and Level IV Awas. The current list and each volcano’s reports are on MAGMA Indonesia, updated several times a day.

The level alone is not enough. Every report includes Recommendations, for example a ban on entering a radius of several kilometres around the crater or particular sectors where lava and pyroclastic flows may travel. The radius can change and often differs for residents, tourists and climbers. Reports also list the phone number of the volcano observation post.

During ashfall, BNPB advises wearing a mask or cloth over your nose and mouth, long sleeves, long trousers and a hat, and not wearing contact lenses. After an eruption, stay away from ash-covered areas, avoid driving on ashy roads, and clear ash from roofs because its weight can make them collapse. When it rains, watch out for lahars (volcanic mudflows) in valleys and rivers that rise on the volcano.

- [MAGMA Indonesia: volcano alert levels](https://magma.esdm.go.id/v1/gunung-api/tingkat-aktivitas)
- [MAGMA Indonesia: hazard-zone (KRB) maps](https://magma.esdm.go.id/v1/gunung-api/peta-kawasan-rawan-bencana)

## BMKG early warnings: weather, heavy rain, earthquakes and tsunamis

BMKG (the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) issues several kinds of warning. Weather warnings are nowcasts for the next 0–6 hours covering moderate to heavy rain that may come with lightning and strong winds. Heavy-rainfall warnings are issued for each ten-day period (dasarian) and list the regencies and cities at Waspada, Siaga or Awas level.

The Waspada, Siaga and Awas levels in BMKG rainfall warnings are a different scale from volcano alert levels. In both, a higher level means a greater threat. When your regency or city is at Siaga or Awas for heavy rain, be alert for floods and landslides, especially if you live on a riverbank or below a slope.

BMKG publishes earthquake and tsunami information through InaTEWS (inatews.bmkg.go.id), its website and the Info BMKG app, which BMKG built and offers as a free download. The BMKG contact centre is (021) 196.

- [BMKG: weather early warnings](https://www.bmkg.go.id/cuaca/peringatan-dini-cuaca)
- [BMKG: heavy-rainfall early warnings](https://www.bmkg.go.id/iklim/peringatan-dini-hujan-tinggi)
- [BMKG InaTEWS: earthquakes and tsunamis](https://inatews.bmkg.go.id)

## During an earthquake and a tsunami threat

BMKG advises that if you are inside a building during an earthquake, protect your head and body from falling debris, for example by sheltering under a table, and run outside if you still can. Outdoors, keep away from buildings, power poles and trees, and watch for cracks in the ground. If you are driving, get out and move away from the car. In hilly areas, avoid slopes that might slide.

When the shaking stops, leave the building calmly by the stairs, not a lift or escalator. Check for injuries, fires, gas leaks and electrical faults. Do not go back into damaged buildings, because aftershocks are still possible, and do not trust reports whose source is unclear.

If you are on the coast and feel a strong earthquake, move away from the shore to high ground straight away; BNPB names a sudden fall in the sea level as another warning sign. BMKG teaches the 20-20-20 self-evacuation rule: shaking lasting more than 20 seconds is a danger signal, there is an estimated golden window of about 20 minutes before a local tsunami arrives, and you should reach ground at least 20 metres above sea level. On some coasts a tsunami can arrive sooner, so do not wait for a siren. Waves can come repeatedly; do not go back down to low ground until there is official word that it is safe.

- [BMKG: what to do before, during and after an earthquake](https://www.bmkg.go.id/gempabumi/mitigasi/antisipasi-gempabumi)
- [BMKG: the 20-20-20 self-evacuation rule](https://www.bmkg.go.id/berita/daerah/bmkg-soroti-kerentanan-pesisir-baubau-dorong-mitigasi-gempa-bumi-hingga-banjir-rob)

## During floods and landslides

BNPB’s pocket guide advises moving to a safe area or shelter as early as possible, while flood water can still be crossed. Switch off the electricity at home (or ask PLN to cut it), move valuables up high, and do not walk near drains or channels where the current can sweep you away. If the water keeps rising, contact the village or ward office, the sub-district office or BPBD.

Learn BNPB’s early signs of a landslide: vertical cracks in a slope, groundwater suddenly appearing, well water near a slope turning cloudy, and small stones starting to fall. Places that have slid before, bare slopes and paths where rainwater runs off are more at risk, especially after days of heavy rain.

After a flood, clean your home with antiseptic and make sure you have clean water to prevent diarrhoea. Also watch for leptospirosis from flood water and mud: wear rubber boots and gloves when cleaning up, and see a health facility promptly if you get a fever after contact with flood water.

- [BNPB: pocket guide to facing disasters](https://www.bnpb.go.id/storage/app/media/uploads/migration/pubs/478.pdf)

## Go-bag, documents and emergency numbers

A go-bag is a waterproof bag of basic supplies to help you survive until help arrives and to make evacuation easier. The Yogyakarta disaster agency (BPBD DIY), citing BNPB’s pocket guide, lists eight essentials: important documents, first aid and medicines, long-life snacks and drinks, a light, a whistle, toiletries, a means of communication and a change of clothes.

Keep original documents in a waterproof folder and make copies. Dukcapil can send electronically signed civil documents as PDF files that you can print yourself, and IKD keeps your identity on your phone. Digital copies are no excuse to be careless: never share your NIK or photos of your documents with people you cannot verify.

Emergency numbers: 112 (the single number, where active in your area), 110 police, 113 fire service, 115 Basarnas, 117 BNPB and 119 medical emergencies. Calls to emergency service numbers are free under Communications Ministry Regulation 14/2018.

- [BPBD DIY: what goes in a go-bag (BNPB pocket guide)](https://bpbd.jogjaprov.go.id/berita/siap-hadapi-darurat-mulai-dengan-tas-siaga-bencana-)
- [Communications Ministry Regulation 14/2018: emergency numbers (JDIH BPK)](https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/149731/permenkominfo-no-14-tahun-2018)
- [BNPB: 24-hour operations centre, Call Centre 117](https://www.bnpb.go.id/)

## Things to check carefully

- Waiting for a siren or an official order when you feel a strong earthquake on the coast. BMKG advises evacuating to high ground on your own.
- Entering a volcano’s exclusion zone to watch, take photos or climb.
- Believing chain messages about eruptions or tsunamis without checking MAGMA, BMKG or BPBD.
- Keeping all original documents in one place that floods easily, with no paper or digital copies.
- Confusing the Waspada, Siaga and Awas levels in BMKG rainfall warnings with volcano alert levels; they are different scales.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Siaga (Level III) mean for a volcano?

Siaga means the volcano’s increased activity is increasingly clear or it is erupting. Keep out of the radius or sectors in the PVMBG recommendation on MAGMA Indonesia, have your go-bag ready and follow BPBD if you are told to prepare to evacuate.

### Does Waspada mean I have to evacuate?

Not automatically. At Level II Waspada activity is rising and some volcanoes may erupt, so what you must do is respect the exclusion radius in the PVMBG recommendation. Evacuation happens when BPBD or the local government orders it.

### Where can I see the latest volcano alert levels?

On MAGMA Indonesia (magma.esdm.go.id), under Tingkat Aktivitas (alert levels). Open the report for the volcano you need and read the Recommendations for the exclusion radius and the observation post’s phone number.

### What goes in a go-bag?

According to BNPB’s pocket guide, as cited by BPBD DIY: important documents, first aid and medicines, long-life food and drinks, a light, a whistle, toiletries, a phone and power bank, and spare clothes, all in a waterproof bag.

### What should I do if an earthquake strikes while I am indoors?

Protect your head and body from falling debris, for example under a table, and get out if you still can. When the shaking stops, leave calmly by the stairs, not the lift, then check for fires, gas leaks and electrical faults.

### When should I run to high ground because of a tsunami?

Immediately, if you are on the coast and feel strong or long shaking (BMKG: more than 20 seconds) or see the sea suddenly draw back. Head for ground at least 20 metres above sea level and do not wait for a siren.

### How do I check the flood or landslide risk at my address?

Use BNPB’s InaRISK at inarisk.bnpb.go.id. Find your location and choose the flood, flash flood or landslide hazard layer. For local evacuation routes and meeting points, ask BPBD or your village or ward office.

### Which emergency numbers can I call in a disaster?

Call 112 if it is active in your area, or directly 110 police, 113 fire service, 115 Basarnas, 117 BNPB and 119 medical emergencies. Calls to emergency service numbers are free.

## Official sources

1. [MAGMA Indonesia (PVMBG, Kementerian ESDM): tingkat aktivitas gunung api](https://magma.esdm.go.id/v1/gunung-api/tingkat-aktivitas) (accessed 2026-10-14)
2. [MAGMA Indonesia: peta Kawasan Rawan Bencana](https://magma.esdm.go.id/v1/gunung-api/peta-kawasan-rawan-bencana) (accessed 2026-10-14)
3. [InaRISK BNPB: peta bahaya dan risiko bencana](https://inarisk.bnpb.go.id/) (accessed 2026-10-14)
4. [BMKG: peringatan dini cuaca (nowcasting)](https://www.bmkg.go.id/cuaca/peringatan-dini-cuaca) (accessed 2026-10-14)
5. [BMKG: peringatan dini curah hujan tinggi dasarian](https://www.bmkg.go.id/iklim/peringatan-dini-hujan-tinggi) (accessed 2026-10-14)
6. [BMKG: antisipasi gempa bumi](https://www.bmkg.go.id/gempabumi/mitigasi/antisipasi-gempabumi) (accessed 2026-10-14)
7. [BMKG: rumus evakuasi mandiri 20-20-20 (25 Juni 2026)](https://www.bmkg.go.id/berita/daerah/bmkg-soroti-kerentanan-pesisir-baubau-dorong-mitigasi-gempa-bumi-hingga-banjir-rob) (accessed 2026-10-14)
8. [BMKG: aplikasi Info BMKG dapat diunduh gratis](https://www.bmkg.go.id/siaran-pers/info-bmkg-menangkan-penghargaan-internasional-wmo-award-2020) (accessed 2026-10-14)
9. [BMKG InaTEWS](https://inatews.bmkg.go.id) (accessed 2026-10-14)
10. [BNPB: buku saku Tanggap, Tangkas, Tangguh Menghadapi Bencana](https://www.bnpb.go.id/storage/app/media/uploads/migration/pubs/478.pdf) (accessed 2026-10-14)
11. [BPBD DIY: tas siaga bencana (buku saku BNPB)](https://bpbd.jogjaprov.go.id/berita/siap-hadapi-darurat-mulai-dengan-tas-siaga-bencana-) (accessed 2026-10-14)
12. [BNPB: Pusdalops 24 jam, Call Center 117](https://www.bnpb.go.id/) (accessed 2026-10-14)
13. [Permenkominfo 14/2018: nomor pelayanan darurat tidak berbayar (JDIH BPK)](https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/149731/permenkominfo-no-14-tahun-2018) (accessed 2026-10-14)
14. [Permenkominfo 10/2016: layanan nomor tunggal panggilan darurat (JDIH Komdigi)](https://jdih.komdigi.go.id/produk_hukum/view/id/539/t/peraturan+menteri+komunikasi+dan+informatika+nomor+10+tahun+2016+tanggal+15+juli+2016) (accessed 2026-10-14)
15. [Dukcapil: dokumen kependudukan dalam file PDF](https://dukcapil.kemendagri.go.id/blog/read/cetak-dokumen-kependudukan-di-rumah-dari-file-pdf-masyarakat-makin-dimudahkan-dan-aman) (accessed 2026-10-14)

## Related guides

- [After a disaster in Indonesia: replacing your KTP-el, family card and certificates, and getting help](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/help-after-a-disaster/)
- [Rainy-season diseases in Indonesia: leptospirosis, dengue, diarrhoea and flu](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/rainy-season-diseases/)
- [Water shortages in Indonesia: emergency water, safe drinking water at home and complaining to the water company](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/water-shortage/)

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Source: Panduan Warga, https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/disaster-preparedness-indonesia/ (reviewed 2026-10-14). General information, not legal or financial advice; current agency rules take precedence.