Earthquake and Future Construction Practices in Indonesia
The new proposed Indonesian PSH Map comes with ground motion values of PGA and 0.2 and 1.0 sec SRA, site class B, for 10 and 2 % pe in 50 years. The map was derived following USGS practice, using 3-D seismic source modeling, more and better relocated seismic data, and fitting NGA function plus utilizing tomographic analysis to obtain better dipping estimate for the megathrust subduction and slip rate analysis based on latest GPS data (Irsyam et al, 2010). Compared to PGA from current SNI 03-1726-2002, in many places significant increases were observed indicating accepted higher seismic hazard. Considering the widespread non-code compliance practices observed in the last 15 plus years including the still on-going reconstruction of Padang which was hit by PGA 28% g last September (USGS, 2009), unless stricter code compliances construction practices are imposed, much worse future structural failures and loss of life shall be expected in moderate to high seismic risk area. This directly reflects the failure of the National Construction Services Development Board (NCSDB) who, together with Professional Engineer and Contractor Associations, manages the Professional Certification Program for skilled workers, Construction Engineers, Architects, and Contractors. The key factor in turning the above condition lies in the hand of the Minister of Public Work and His engineers in alliance with the officers from the Department of Internal Affair who control the issuance of all construction and building permits. Publishing state-of-the-arts codes and setting high tariff permits alone was not enough. Coercing professional commitment and responsibility is the only sensible way to reach the goal. Proper Professional Engineer and Worker Certification shall be required to all including those within the PWD institution. This may be achieved by reeducating key engineers and architects on the basic principles of earthquake engineering in their practices. Further cooperation should be sought with Department of National and Higher Educations on putting proper training materials for related Vocational High School student. Introduction on Conceptual Design and Construction Practice of Simple Earthquake Resistant Buildings and Structures should be made basic required curriculum for Civil Engineering and Architects educations. Special training for construction workers on earthquake detailing requirement shall be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Man-Power. NCSDB should be strongly managed and redirected in carrying out their full responsibility. PWD Engineers should be active in providing technical assistance to public and further aid should be provided by publishing and distributing manuals on how to design and construct simple non-engineered and engineered buildings, emphasizing on the utilization of recommended structural system, detailing, and construction materials and building firm cooperation with Department of Industry to ban the production of non-code compliance materials. Additional indirect control should be added by requiring more involvement from the insurance industry especially Professional Indemnity Insurance coverage for the consultant and design engineers