Advancing Disaster-Resilient Tourism Through Tsunami Database Development and Numerical Modelling in the Banda Islands

The Banda Islands is a sub-district within the Province of Maluku. As outlined in the Regional Spatial Plan for the period 2011–2031, Banda Island is specifically delineated as the Provincial Strategic Activity Center, with a primary focus on tourism as the key strategic activity. However, it is imperative to note that the Banda Islands are highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis. Majority tsunamis occuring in Banda Islands classified as near-field tsunamis, so the rapid execution of data collection, processing, modelling, and analysis is crucial. But, the technical data available for tsunamis in this area is notably limited. This study endeavours to address this gap by constructing a comprehensive tsunami database through simulations and numerical modelling of various scenarios. The TUNAMI F1 model, a simulation methodology grounded in linear equations for tsunami wave propagation, is employed in this research. By leveraging historical earthquake source data, the model generated tsunami data amounting to 1,647 instances from 234 earthquake epicentres. Notably, the magnitude of an earthquake and its proximity directly correlate with the resultant maximum wave height and arrival time; higher magnitudes and closer proximity lead to increased wave height and swifter arrival times. The computed maximum tsunami height at the Banda Islands is estimated to reach 13 m. Furthermore, the arrival time for a tsunami exceeding 2 m in height ranges from 0 to 46 min at two designated observation points within the Banda Islands. This dataset is anticipated to serve as a valuable addition to the existing database managed by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), enhancing its comprehensiveness. This database is intended to support tsunami early warning systems (TEWS) through rapid scenario retrieval in coastal areas. Additionally, it is poised to fortify the efficacy of the tsunami early warning system, thereby contributing to the development of a disaster-resilient tourism sector in the Banda Islands.