History Today 25 November 2019: BMKG Awards Megawati Soekarnoputri

BMKG gave Megawati Soekarnoputri an award as a Pioneer Figure for Strengthening Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics on November 25, 2019. (bmkg.go.id)

JAKARTA History today, three years ago, November 25, 2019, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) gave an award to the 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri. The son of Soekarno is considered a meritorious figure as a Pioneer for Strengthening Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics.

The award was given to Megawati at the BMKG Auditorium, Jakarta. Previously, Megawati was remembered as a figure who contributed greatly to the growth and development of BMKG. He became a national figure who was able to modernize BMKG.

Not a few doubted Megawati Soekarnoputri's leadership as Indonesia's number one person. Moreover, a woman too. However, Megawati silenced many parties with her leadership.

He was able to quickly bring the situation in Indonesia again slumped due to the 1998 monetary crisis. Therefore, he made many breakthroughs. He also appointed many political elites with tested performance. His ministers were selectively selected. Alias, those who have the ability to appoint them.

The rest, Megawati did not cover her ears with the available input. Megawati got Megawati from Bung Karno, who incidentally was her own father. Megawati's expertise was honed. One of them with the courage of Megawati to modernize BMKG.

In the past, BMKG was under the Sub-Directorate of the Ministry of Transportation. Megawati tried to break it down. He issued two Presidential Decrees (Kepres): Presidential Decree number 46 and number 48 of 2002. The presidential decree became an important milestone for BMKG. This is because BMKG was changed to a Non- Department Government Institution.

First, that the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency has a strategic role in supporting government and development activities so that it needs to be changed to a Non- Department Government Institution.

"Second, in connection with this in letter a, it is deemed necessary to perfect Presidential Decree No. 110 of 2001 concerning Organizational Units and Duties of Echelon I Non- Departmental Government Institutions as amended by Presidential Decree No. 5 of 2002," it was written in Presidential Decree No. 48 of 2002.

The Presidential Decree brought major changes to BMKG. Because, while under the Ministry of Transportation, BMKG experienced limited rights and authorities. Mainly to make predictions and provide information to the public.

As an appreciation, 17 years later, Megawati was awarded by the BMKG. The institution named Megawati as the Pioneer Figure for Strengthening Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics on November 25, 2019.

"I actually thought, we were assigned by Gus Dur at that time. Indeed, the decision was made when I became President, but actually his assignment was when I was vice president.

"At that time I was assigned a lot by the President, including dealing with BPPN issues and disasters. When I opened a disaster business, I was shocked, why was it in the Ministry of Transportation, huh?" Megawati said as quoted by the BMKG page.