East Java Warned of Hydro-meteorological Disaster Threat during Nataru 2025

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (ANTARA)

SURABAYA - The East Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jatim) has tightened disaster mitigation following the threat of a meteorological phenomenon predicted to strengthen on Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 (Nataru).

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa asked residents to increase vigilance as the intensity of rain significantly increased in various areas.

This was emphasized by Khofifah when reviewing the weather modification operation post (OMC) at the TNI AL Air Base (Lanudal) Juanda, Sidoarjo, Sunday, December 21.

Based on BMKG data, the peak of the rainy season is predicted to occur in January 2026 with an intensity of 58%. This condition is at high risk of triggering floods, landslides, and strong winds in a number of vulnerable points.

"This OMC is one of the government's efforts to reduce the risk of hydrometeorological disasters. However, the participation of the community is still very important," said Khofifah.

Until now, technical operations have been carried out intensively through cloud seeding from the air. Since it started on December 5, 2025, 30 flight sorties have been carried out with a total flight time exceeding 62 hours.

A total of 14,000 kilograms of CaO and 16,000 kilograms of NaCl were used to regulate the distribution of rain so that it was not concentrated to an extreme in one area that could potentially trigger a disaster.

In addition to scientific interventions, Khofifah emphasized the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and ensuring that water channels are not clogged by garbage. The implementation of this mitigation involves the synergy of BPBD East Java, Lanudal Juanda, and BMKG to monitor the movement of clouds daily. Khofifah hopes that cross-agency collaboration and public awareness can minimize the adverse impact of extreme weather that overshadows East Java.