INDONESIA AND THE UNITED STATES COOPERATION: IMPLEMENTATION OF COOPERATION BETWEEN CVGHM AND USGS ON INDONESIAN VOLCANOES

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..