Enggano Island Residents Learn Local Potential and Disaster Risks Through Data Collection App

On Enggano Island, a remote island off the coast of Bengkulu, Indonesia, a new initiative is underway to help residents deepen their understanding of the region's resource potential and the risks of natural disasters. At the heart of this effort is an application named "GeoEnggano," which fishermen use to record their daily catches and fishing locations. Enggano Island is located approximately 100 kilometers off the coast of Sumatra and covers an area of about 400 square kilometers. Access to the island requires about a one-hour flight or an up to 18-hour sea journey if the weather is favorable. Many residents depend on fishing for their livelihood, making going out to sea essential for income. The island lies at the convergence of two major megathrust zones, the Mentawai-Pagai and Enggano, making it a highly seismically active region with frequent earthquakes. While residents are accustomed to minor tremors, a major earthquake in 2000 caused many casualties and severe damage to homes. In the subsequent decades, recurring earthquakes have damaged hundreds of houses and forced residents to temporarily evacuate. The GeoEnggano app aims to equip residents with the ability to collect and analyze data directly related to their lives amidst these circumstances. By recording their catches and locations, fishermen gain an opportunity to reflect on the sustainability of fishery resources. Simultaneously, this data, when cross-referenced with the island's geological characteristics and past disaster history, can serve as a valuable source of information for raising residents' disaster awareness and strengthening preparedness for future calamities. This initiative highlights how data utilization is crucial for residents on Enggano Island, facing isolated geographical conditions and natural disaster risks, in their pursuit of local problem-solving and sustainable development.