6.9 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan, Indonesian Foreign Ministry Confirms No Indonesian Citizens Affected

Kapanlagi.com - An earthquake struck Kyushu Island, Japan, with a magnitude of 6.9 on Monday night, January 13, 2025. This strong tremor triggered tsunami warnings in several areas of southern Japan, including Kyushu, Shikoku, Amami, and parts of Honshu Island. However, good news came from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI), which confirmed that there have been no reports of Indonesian citizens affected by the disaster so far.

The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate General of Indonesia in Osaka quickly took action by coordinating with the Indonesian citizen community in the affected areas. Judha Nugraha, Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Indonesian Legal Entities (BHI) at Kemlu RI, stated that they have contacted the Indonesian community hubs in Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Kochi prefectures, and thankfully, there have been no reports of casualties or losses experienced by Indonesian citizens.

This disaster serves as an important reminder of the need for earthquake risk mitigation in Japan, a country known for its vulnerability to disasters. In addition to the quick response from Kemlu RI, Indonesian citizens living in Japan are also urged to remain vigilant and follow official information from local authorities.

1. Chronology of the Kyushu Earthquake Magnitude 6.9

On a dark Monday night, precisely at 21:19 local time, an earthquake shook the waters of Hyuganada near the coast of Kyushu Island with an initial strength of 6.4 magnitude, which was later revised to 6.9.

The epicenter of the earthquake, located at a depth of 30 kilometers, was shallow enough to trigger tsunami warnings in several areas, including Shikoku and Amami, considering that Kyushu Island is situated on the infamous Pacific Ring of Fire, which is prone to earthquakes.

Fortunately, as of the time this news was reported, there were no reports of infrastructure damage or casualties. This moment underscores the importance of continuous disaster monitoring and advanced early warning systems in Japan, which are capable of providing rapid information to the public to minimize risks.

This is a real example of the synergy between technology and public awareness in facing the threats of natural disasters.

2. Quick Response of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Role of the Indonesian Embassy

After the earthquake shook Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia immediately took swift action by coordinating communication between the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in the affected areas.

They quickly established communication with the WNI community in Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Kochi Prefectures, which could potentially be impacted by the disaster. According to official data, there are 2,204 WNI residing in Miyazaki and 964 in Kochi, but so far, there have been no reports of injuries, losses, or material damage among them.

This statement provides reassurance for the families of WNI back home who may be anxious about the condition of their relatives. Additionally, the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo continues to monitor the situation and collaborates with local authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens.

These steps reflect the commitment of the Indonesian government to protect its citizens abroad, especially in emergency situations such as natural disasters. Judha Nugraha, Director of the Protection of WNI and BHI at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that communication with the WNI community has been carried out and so far, no one has been affected.

"We have contacted the WNI community nodes in the area and received information that they are safe," said Judha, quoting from ANTARA on Tuesday (14/1/2025).

3. Risk Mitigation for Indonesian Citizens in Japan

Amid the high seismic activity affecting Japan, disaster risk mitigation has become a top priority for Indonesian citizens (WNI) living there.

The Indonesian government, through the Embassy and Consulate General, actively provides guidance and training to face disasters, ranging from evacuation to information about safe points that comply with local standards.

Indonesian citizens are urged to always update their contact information so that authorities can provide assistance quickly during emergencies. In addition, the latest information regarding earthquakes and tsunami warnings is communicated through the Embassy's digital platforms, ensuring that everyone stays informed.

No less important, WNI are advised to prepare an emergency bag containing important documents, food, and water, so they can face emergency situations more calmly and with better planning.

4. Lessons from Japan in Facing Disasters

Japan, a country often shaken by earthquakes, has become a model in disaster mitigation systems worth emulating. With earthquake-resistant infrastructure and advanced early warning systems, Japan demonstrates the importance of preparedness in facing disasters.

Its society also has a high level of awareness, always alert and quick to respond whenever an earthquake strikes. Indonesia, which is also located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, can take valuable lessons from Japan's experience, such as regularly conducting earthquake simulations in schools and workplaces and providing easily accessible disaster information.

By strengthening cooperation between the Indonesian and Japanese governments in disaster management, especially in technology and knowledge transfer, it is hoped that Indonesia can enhance its community's resilience to the risks of impending disasters.

5. Next Steps for Indonesian Citizens in Affected Areas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia continues to closely monitor the current situation in Japan, coordinating closely with local authorities for the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) residing there. WNI in Japan are reminded to remain vigilant and follow official instructions from the Japanese government regarding potential disasters.

The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) and Consulate General (KJRI) will provide the latest information periodically, while the emergency hotline at the KBRI Tokyo and KJRI Osaka is ready to assist WNI in need, including in terms of evacuation if necessary.

Quick and open communication is crucial in ensuring the safety of WNI amid this emergency situation. For families of WNI in the homeland who wish to know the latest news about their relatives in Japan, they can contact the official services of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

With synergy between the government, families, and the WNI community in Japan, it is hoped that every step taken can provide optimal protection for all Indonesian citizens abroad.

6. What is the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing to protect Indonesian citizens in Japan?

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates with the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate General in Osaka to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens, provide information, and offer an emergency hotline.

7. How do Indonesians in Japan cope with earthquakes?

Indonesians are urged to follow the mitigation guidelines from the Indonesian Embassy, such as preparing emergency bags, knowing evacuation routes, and updating their contacts with the Embassy or Consulate General.

8. What causes frequent earthquakes in Japan?

Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where three tectonic plates meet: the Eurasian Plate, the Pacific Plate, and the Philippine Plate.

9. Is Indonesia affected by earthquakes in Japan?

No, Indonesia is not directly affected by earthquakes in Japan, but it must remain vigilant regarding the potential tsunami impacts in certain areas.

10. How does Japan's earthquake early warning system work?

Japan uses advanced seismic technology that detects earthquake activity and provides warnings within seconds through communication devices such as mobile phones and televisions.

(kpl/rmt)