High Risk Of Nataru Holidays, Government Reminds Residents To Beware Of Extreme Weather

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, emphasized that the implementation of the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year (Nataru) holidays requires extra support from all parties. He conveyed this when he chaired a ministerial level meeting to prepare for the Naru holiday at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture's office, Monday, December 8.

Pratikno explained that the Nataru holiday this year will last for 14 days, from December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026. The peak of homecoming is predicted on December 20 and 24, while backflows are expected to occur on December 28 and January 4.

The government, said Pratikno, is closely monitoring all of Nataru's main services, ranging from worship services, health, transportation, tourism, to disaster anticipation. He emphasized the importance of the readiness of integrated posts, Nataru service posts, as well as inclusive services in various public facilities, such as airports, terminals, ports, and tourist destinations.

"This is the standard every year. We continue to improve services so that people can go home safely, comfortably, safely, and smoothly," he said.

However, Pratikno underlined that this year's Nataru was different because it took place in the midst of a disaster emergency situation that hit a number of parts of Indonesia, especially in Sumatra. The government must maintain the smooth flow of homecoming and Christmas celebrations, while ensuring that disaster management continues to run optimally.

He mentioned that conditions in several areas of Sumatra, especially Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, have not fully recovered. A number of areas are reported to be still isolated, health services are limited, electricity is not yet normal, and many public facilities are damaged.

Pratikno emphasized that the government's main focus during Nataru is disaster anticipation, given the BMKG's warning about the potential for extreme weather and the risk of wet hydrometeorology in various regions.

What is a bit tougher this year is disaster. We are facing the situation in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, South Sulawesi, and other regions. This is a big homework," he explained.

He asked all ministries/agencies to improve coordination with local governments and officials in the field. Extra support, especially for people celebrating Christmas in disaster-affected areas, is a priority for the government.

In addition, Pratikno asked BMKG to continue updating weather information, including weather modification operations in high-risk areas. He also emphasized the role of the TNI-Polri, BNPB, Basarnas, and local governments in strengthening integrated alert posts and increasing disaster preparedness.

During the meeting, ministries/agencies and SOEs expressed their readiness for Nataru's support, including the provision of more holistic information posts, supply of basic materials, and logistical support for the community during the long holiday period.

Pratikno closed the meeting with the appreciation of all parties who have prepared comprehensive support for the community. "Thank you for the readiness of all parties to provide the best service during the Nataru holiday," he said.

This meeting was also attended by a number of high-ranking state officials, including Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, as well as ranks of ministries, institutions, SOEs, TNI, and the National Police directly related to the implementation of Nataru services.