Jakarta Diary: I Survived The Indonesian Quake

By Mohd Shukri Ishak Bernama's correspondent Mohd Shukri Ishak shares his take from Jakarta, Indonesia. JAKARTA, Jan 26 (Bernama) – The 6.1 earthquake on Tuesday afternoon that shook metropolitan Jakarta was certainly an unnerving experience for me, what more it was my first experience of an earthquake. I was at my office desk, at level 16 of Wisma Antara, when suddenly the floor under my feet started swaying to my left and right at about 1.30 p.m. I was in a daze and unsure of what was really happening until I heard shouts from others in the building asking to get out. Though I was aware that Indonesia is located within the Ring of Fire and is prone to earthquakes, it did not bother me since I started work in Jakarta two months ago, at least until Tuesday. I could still recall vividly there was a series of strong vibration with each episodes lasting between 20 and 30 seconds. This went on up to two minutes and I started feeling dizzy and nauseated, symptoms similar to Vertigo as the body's balance has been disrupted by the swinging and vibrating floor. I joined the others in evacuating the building. Everything was orderly and the locals who have been through the earthquake episodes before appear to know all they steps they need to take for a safe evacuation. The same orderly evacuation was seen in many other high rises and shopping complexes, with the occupants and members of the public gathering at safe open spaces and roads. I noted that the drivers on the road too had stopped their vehicles. Sirens could he heard and announcements were made through the PA system requesting occupants to vacate the buildings. Interestingly, in between news feeds and visuals, the Indonesian media, especially the TV and radio stations, started broadcasting prayer recitals asking the Almighty to prevent a major calamity. The media also relayed information to the people on what they have to do if they were in houses, buildings or open areas. So far 300 homes and buildings in Lebak Banten (the quake epicentre, 153 km from Jakarta), Pandeglansatu, Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi suffered damage. The Indonesian authorities are still evaluating the damage and losses. I feel that Malaysians visiting Indonesia should be aware that earthquake could happen anytime and anywhere in the archipelago. This awareness is particularly important as the data from Indonesian Tourism Ministry indicated an average of one million Malaysians visited the neighbouring country annually. Hence, they must know how to react and stay safe if an earthquake happens. My first experience with the earthquake taught me some valuable survival lessons. Don't panic, if you are in a building follow the instructions given, if the building rattles get under the table; never take a lift to evacuate, instead walk down the emergency staircase and do not run; if the quake happens while you are outdoors, stay away from trees, tall monuments or structures and; if your are at the beach or coastal area immediately get to higher ground as the quake if strong enough could trigger a tsunami. Tuesday 23 Jan, 2018 will forever be etched in my mind, the day I felt a real earthquake. -- BERNAMA