Abstract:
This study aims to explore the implementation and impact of bilateral cooperation
between the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
of Indonesia and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in the context of
volcanic disaster mitigation. Indonesia’s high exposure to volcanic risks by
hosting over 120 active volcanoes and the urgent need for scientific collaboration
to mitigate the associated hazards effectively. The research focuses on the
cooperative efforts between CVGHM and USGS from 1991 to 2024, including
mechanisms of technology transfer, capacity building, early warning systems, and
strategic interests of both parties. This study applies a qualitative descriptive
method, employing in-depth interviews with experts and stakeholders directly
involved in the cooperation, alongside secondary data analysis from official
reports and scholarly literature. Limitations of the study include its focus on
bilateral (Indonesia–US) cooperation within the volcanology field, without
examining other multilateral disaster cooperation frameworks. The findings reveal
that the CVGHM–USGS partnership significantly improved Indonesia’s volcanic
monitoring infrastructure, accelerated data analysis and early warnings, and
enhanced the competence of Indonesian volcanologists. Additionally, the
cooperation reflects science diplomacy in action, where shared risk and mutual
interest foster long-term bilateral trust and capacity-building. In conclusion, the
collaboration between CVGHM and USGS serves as a successful model of
international scientific cooperation in disaster risk reduction. It demonstrates how
disaster diplomacy and interdependence theory manifest in practice, offering
valuable insights for future cross-border mitigation efforts in disaster-prone
regions..
