Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI)

2009-02-02T01:39:00.000-08:00

Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI)
1920-1960
The establishment of Volcanological Survey of Indonesia dates back to 1920, a year after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Kelud (which killed more than 5.000 people). The core of VSI was the Volcano Observation Section, part of the Jawatan Pertambangan (Bureau of Mines). The main tasks of this section were to investigate and to provide advises in minimizing the disaster and effects of volcanic eruptions.

1961 - 1965
Over this period, the Volcano Observation Section grew in terms of manpower and instrumentation, and it became a division in the Directorate of Geology. The formal name was changed to Volcanological Division. Well-known volcanologists employed by the Division at this time included Hadikusumo, Zen, Kusumadinata, Suryo and Matahelumual who studied active volcanoes, mainly in Java and Bali. After a catastrophic eruption of Agung volcano in Bali in 1963, Indonesian geologists conducted their first symposium o¬n Volcanology, which emphasized hazard assessment of Agung volcano.

1965-1985
Some young volcanologists were send to study overseas. The Volcanological Division became larger. Later, in 1980, this division was promoted to be Directorate of Volcanology and now is known as Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI). It is a part of the Directorate General of Geology and Mineral Resources, under the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

In 1985, VSI was staffed by about 60 volcanologists and about 48 junior volcanologists. In addition, there were about 80 volcano observers distributed in observatory posts throughout Indonesia. The development of volcano surveillance progressively continues and so the number of the monitored volcanoes (Table 2).
1985-1995
By the end of PELITA V (five yearly development planning), 65 observation posts o¬n 60 volcanoes in Indonesia were established. All of these observatories were equipped by at least o¬ne seismograph. At more active volcanoes more seismographs were installed, i.e. Merapi, were instrumented up to 9 seismograph stations.