Jakarta (BERITAJA) - The Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, has committed to enhancing extreme weather early warning information, particularly for heavy rain and strong winds, to prevent them from being underestimated by both the public and local governments. During a working meeting with members of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives broadcast online from Jakarta on March 11, 2025, Dwikorita stated the agency aims to disseminate extreme weather warnings, which are issued three hours to six days prior to adverse events, ensuring they reach the public.
\"The problem is, what does moderate rain look like, and what does heavy rain indicate? They don’t know, so they also don’t know how to respond. That is what we will improve because sometimes early warnings are underestimated,\" she explained during the meeting, which discussed preparations for infrastructure and transportation during the upcoming Lebaran holiday.
She assured participants of the meeting of plans to revamp the entire weather information services scheme starting from this Lebaran holiday travel period. The enhancement means the weather forecasts will now be issued at least twice daily, up from one daily forecast, utilizing all BMKG social media channels to reach the public effectively.
\"We will distribute SMS blasts with comprehensive information, rely on radio broadcasts with RRI, Elsinta, and also include information on what constitutes moderate rain being wet and heavy rain leading to poor visibility,\" she added.
Such measures are seen as pivotal by the meeting participants as they seek to mitigate the growing risks associated with hydro-meteorological disasters, especially considering BMKG has detected potential heavy to moderate rain up until March 20-26, 2025, particularly affecting Java Island, South Sumatra, Bengkulu, Bangka Belitung, Central Java, and East Java.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, presenting during the same meeting, stated the number of travelers during this year's Lebaran holiday is anticipated to rise, predicting around 146.48 million people, or approximately 52 percent of Indonesia's total population.
The peak travel period is projected to begin on March 21, 2025, with the return flow expected on April 11, 2025. \"On the other hand, we urge local governments to respond quickly to the early warnings issued, as was done by the Jakarta government, which immediately enacted weather modification measures. This is the essence of our messaging,\" Dwikorita emphasized.
Banjarmasin (BERITAJA) - The BMKG has also issued warnings for extreme weather conditions expected to affect South Kalimantan (Kalsel) until March 18, 2025, including thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and high sea waves reaching up to two meters.
The general weather forecast for Kalsel over the coming week indicates light, moderate, and heavy rain, along with potential lightning and strong winds, with wind speeds varying between 5-35 kilometers per hour. On March 17-18, specific areas like Tanah Laut Regency are expected to experience maximum sea waves reaching two meters.
\"We anticipate sea levels may rise to 2.5 meters at the Barito River estuary between March 12-15, particularly during peak tides from 18:00 to 19:00 WITA, and 2.6 meters from March 17-18 between 07:00 and 08:00 WITA,\" explained Rimelda Yuni, weather forecaster at BMKG Kalsel, during confirmation from Banjarmasin.
She elaborated on the region's forecast, highlighting areas such as Balangan, Tabalong, Hulu Sungai Utara, Kotabaru, Tanah Bumbu, Hulu Sungai Tengah, Hulu Sungai Selatan, Tapin, Barito Kuala, Banjar, Banjarmasin, and Banjarbaru as facing light, moderate, and heavy rains from March 12-14, 2025. Areas like Tanah Laut will see lighter rainfall.
From March 15-18, more rain is expected across nearly all 13 regencies/cities of South Kalimantan. Regarding the week’s forecast, BMKG urges the public to be prepared for potential hydro-meteorological disasters, including floods, flash floods, landslides, and slippery roads, which can occur at any time during this period.
Eight tourist sites within Kalsel are also likely to face extreme weather characterized by rain alongside thunderstorms and strong winds, including Loksado, Pulau Kembang, Riam Kanan, Pasar Terapung, Nateh, Pantai Angsana, Teluk Tamiang, and Pantai Takisung.
With increased urgency surrounding extreme weather, the coordination between the BMKG and local governments will be pivotal. Both agencies are putting efforts toward ensuring communities are adequately informed and prepared for anticipated severe weather conditions as the Lebaran holiday approaches.