Jakarta – Brawijaya University (UB) is making strides in global environmental research by establishing an international collaboration to develop the Magnetic Data Acquisition System (Magdas). In a written statement on Sunday, December 29, it said that the system is designed to monitor global climate change and improve natural disaster mitigation capabilities, especially those related to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
UB Rector Prof Widodo revealed that the project involves collaboration with the International Research Center for Space and Planetary Environmental Science (i-SPES) from Kyushu University, Japan, the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) from Egypt, as well as several universities from Malaysia. According to him, this collaboration is a form of UB’s real contribution to facing global environmental challenges.
“This collaboration proves UB’s commitment to play an active role in global efforts to deal with climate change and disaster mitigation. With Magdas technology, we hope to provide great benefits to the community, especially in minimising disaster risks,” said Prof. Widodo.
UB disaster mitigation expert Prof. Sukir Maryanto explained that the Magdas station in Cangar, Batu City, an important research centre in this project, has been equipped with a 3D Fluxgate Magnetometer and seismic sensors. These two devices are used to collect magnetic and seismic data, which are later analysed to understand the relationship between geophysical phenomena on Earth and activities in space.
“The data obtained will be crucial for studying tectonic and volcanic earthquake patterns. With integration into the global network, we can develop more in-depth research and collaborate with international institutions,” explained Prof. Sukir.
He revealed that in March 2025, UB and a team from Kyushu University and NRIAG will install an induction magnetometer sensor developed by Nagoya City University, Japan. “We are optimistic that this project can improve disaster prediction capacity so that risks to the community can be minimised,” he added.
Prof. Sukir highlighted that this international collaboration provides students access to global-scale research. “Students, especially at the master and doctoral levels, can utilise this project to improve their research skills. This cooperation provides real experience in cross-country collaboration, which is very valuable for their scientific development,” he said. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Brawijaya University (UB) disaster mitigation expert Prof. Sukir Maryanto shows the location of MAGDAS at the UB Cangar Laboratory. (Source: UB/handout)
