Indonesia is testing a five-year pilot to use mosque loudspeakers as earthquake early warning systems, using the country’s extensive network of religious institutions to reach remote communities.
How the System Works
Indonesia’s hundreds of thousands of mosques, which already operate five daily prayer broadcasts, provide a ready-made infrastructure for warnings. “The advantage of a mosque speaker is that they’re existing and well maintained,” Inoue said, highlighting the challenge of maintaining disaster systems in developing regions.
The system is still a prototype, with no public alerts issued yet, but researchers aim to expand it to schools and media outlets by 2030.
Why It Matters
Indonesia’s earthquake risk is exacerbated by its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and the vulnerability of its low-rise buildings. A 2009 quake in western Sumatra killed 1,000 people, highlighting the need for rapid alerts. Researchers note that traditional “drop and cover” strategies may not work in areas with unstable structures, where escaping outdoors is often the survival tactic.
The project also addresses communication gaps. Mobile phone networks can fail during quakes, but mosque speakers are maintained by local communities, ensuring reliability. “Maintenance is the big challenge for any disaster infrastructure,” Inoue said.
Did You Know? Indonesia’s disaster agency faces challenges in reaching remote areas, but the country’s hundreds of thousands of mosques offer a pre-existing network of loudspeakers that could be adapted for emergency alerts.
Global Context
Similar projects exist in other Muslim-majority countries. The United Arab Emirates considered mosque speakers for nuclear plant alerts, while Uzbekistan is testing 272 mosques to warn of floods and landslides. The UNDP noted that mosques are “authoritative social institutions” with significant community influence.
Expert Insight: By integrating religious and community infrastructure into disaster preparedness, Indonesia’s approach reflects a pragmatic response to its geographic and structural challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of Indonesia’s earthquake warning project?
The project aims to use mosque loudspeakers to broadcast early warnings, utilizing Indonesia’s existing network of mosques to reach remote communities. The system is still in a five-year trial phase and has not yet issued public alerts.
How does the system address Indonesia’s unique risks?
Indonesia’s low-rise buildings, often made of unreinforced masonry, require different survival strategies than those in Japan. Researchers are studying how local behaviors, such as escaping outdoors, can be integrated into scientific guidelines for disaster response.
Are similar systems used elsewhere?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates has explored mosque speakers for nuclear plant alerts, and Uzbekistan is testing 272 mosques to warn of natural disasters. These projects highlight the role of mosques as trusted community hubs for emergency communication.