Cianjur Earthquake- Roles of Social Media and the Distribution of Sciences
Alfend Rudyawan (*), Astyka Pamumpuni, Mika Rizki Puspaningrum, Indra Gunawan, Benyamin Sapiie, Alfita Puspa Handayani, Mirzam Abdurrachman

Fakultas Ilmu dan Teknologi Kebumian, Institut Teknologi Bandung

(*) alfend[at]itb.ac.id

Abstract

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake hit Cianjur Regency, West Java, Indonesia on November 21, 2022, killing more than 300 people, leaving many more missing, 100,000 people, and damaging more than 60,000 houses. Historically, earthquakes in this region have been cataloged since the late 17th century. Significant seismic activity was recognized in 1699, 1834, 1879, and 1900 near Cianjur in West Java. After the news spread, several analyzes were published claiming that the Cimandiri fault must have caused the quake. However, the epicenter was about 12 km north of the estimated location of the Cimandiri Fault. The news quickly hit social media, with some responding in group chats, feeds, reels, and reviews of the literature shared via other social media. Moreover, others were featured in webinars and on national television. However, this information was based solely on limited information and prior knowledge of the area without further analysis of the actual data.

New satellite data was uploaded via social media a few days later. This update soon reduced online discussion about the Cimandiri Fault. There was further evidence of a previously buried fault between the Cimandiri Fault and the Gede Pangrango Range. Our field observations indicate that this fault caused most of the rupture in this region.

Socially, the earthquake event also caused immediate problems in the local community. There have been incidents of earthquake survivors, donors, and people taking advantage of the situation. Blockades were everywhere, and those claiming to be survivors demanded that oncoming donation boats be stopped and all donations abandoned. Having failed and knowing they were being recorded, they forced the fleet to turn back. These incidents have hampered efforts to distribute aid to the most remote areas. As a result, survivors who had taken refuge far from major logistical lines were left stranded. There were traffic jams everywhere as everyone wanted to make their donations. Also, people post a lot of content on social media very quickly. Heartless selfies and video content created in the face of grieving communities are everywhere. This behavior has also created a rift between survivors and donors. Even after the government set up a disaster relief base, the problem did not immediately disappear. Logistics are in excess, but they still need to reach the most remote communities.

The recent Cianjur earthquake has taught us how important it is to know the geological phenomena behind our own homes. The earthquake was our real test. A catastrophe has happened before our eyes, but we still cannot foresee it, and our community needs to be ready to become resilient. Low-tech solutions such as education and disaster training should be widely implemented in communities so that they are ready whenever disaster strikes.

Keywords: Cianjur, Earthquake, Social Media

Topic: Interdisciplinary Geosciences