This study examined the (mis) alignments between multiple disaster cultures, the Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS) and local risk profiles as revealed by the 2018 nontectonic tsunami triggered by the Anak Krakatau Volcanic eruption in Labuan. The research assessed to what extent the tsunami warning system was adapted to local needs and characteristics. Based on qualitative data collection, this study showed that before the 2018 tsunami (and notwithstanding memories of the 1883 Krakatau tsunami) different local groups shared a strikingly homogeneous understanding of tsunamis as exclusively triggered by earthquakes. After the 2018 tsunami, study participants reported increased awareness of different tsunami types and earthquake risks. However, this rarely translated into practical actions and changes at the local level as structural and cultural factors significantly hampered the work of local government and emergency management agencies. This research identified steps to improve alignment, for example by involving community members in warning technology maintenance, tailoring awarenessraising materials to local hazard profiles and connecting awarenessraising with local cultural traditions. However, a reform of the InaTEWS is necessary, including overcoming sectoral silos and incorporating local knowledge and experiences into policymaking. By addressing these (mis)alignments, authorities can better support communities to understand tsunami risks and respond to future event, ultimately enhancing preparedness. © 2024 by the authors. License Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, Melbourne, Australia. This is an open source article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). Information and links to references in this paper are current at the time of publication. All Rights Reserved.