This article aims to analyze multi-layered communication responses to maritime disasters in Indonesia using two significant cases, namely the tidal flooding in Semarang and the tsunami in Banda Aceh. Reducing the risk of disaster is not only a technical matter but also strongly associated with communication issues.

The main purpose of this study was to analyze how the concept of state sovereignty is experiencing a crisis due to a major natural disaster. By using the illustration of the 2004 Aceh earthquake and tsunami, the concept of state sovereignty has been explored in the abnormal situation arising from the disaster as the state was unable to carry out its functions and authorities properly.