Megawati Pushes For Strengthening Of The World Meteorological Organization

The Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri in her speech at the closing ceremony of the 7th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), in Bali, Friday (27/5/2022). ANTARA/HO-PDIP

JAKARTA - The Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri encouraged the importance of raising and international cooperation through the United Nations (UN) by strengthening the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in disaster mitigation.

"Through this forum, I encourage the importance of international mobilization and cooperation through the United Nations. For example, by strengthening the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) which is integrated with BMKG in all countries," Megawati said in her speech at the closing ceremony of the 7th Session of the Platform. Global for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), in Bali, reported by Antara, Friday, May 27.

Megawati also invites all world countries that are members of the United Nations to work together to strengthen disaster mitigation for the benefit of humanity, amidst the strengthening threat of global warming.

Megawati also invites all citizens of the world to reflect on the condition of the earth by using the Balinese perspective on the suffering of the earth. Megawati delivered her speech through a teleconference service.

The General Chairperson of the PDI-P DPP said the cooperation was important for increasing disaster mitigation capabilities; disaster management 'capacity building'; and the ability to predict disasters caused by tsunamis, cyclones, and other climate disasters.

"No less urgent is the expansion of the BMKG function in developing countries in climate forecasting for agriculture and disaster mitigation," said Megawati.

For Indonesia itself, international cooperation is part of the nation's personality. Likewise, Indonesia's duty is for the benefit of mankind worldwide.

"We have the Pancasila philosophy. It contains the values of divinity, humanity, nationalism, democracy, and social justice. With this philosophy, the Indonesian nation has made history by holding the Asian-African Conference in 1955," said Megawati.

On this basis, Megawati invites to strengthen the solidarity of all nations, all countries.

"Strengthen the cooperation of all civil society, the cooperation of all universities for the development of research and innovation for the benefit of mankind worldwide. Thank you for all the contributions of thought and determination to strengthen international cooperation for a peaceful, sustainable, beautiful world, and continue to strengthen awareness of protecting balance the life of our beloved planet earth," he said.

Megawati also briefly shared her experience when she was the President of the Republic of Indonesia, who initiated efforts to overcome natural disasters.

At that time, the Search and Rescue Agency was strengthened. Megawati also pushed for the establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB); strengthening the roles and functions of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in strategic functions, including early warning systems through the application of technological advances.

In her capacity as party chairperson, Megawati formed the PDIP Disaster Management Agency (Baguna).

"Only the only party in Indonesia that has a disaster mitigation agency. However, all of that is not enough. I always pay close attention to the BMKG report, how the world is facing such serious global warming; sea level rise; climate uncertainty, and various other natural phenomena. With such a huge impact, ecological disasters must be answered immediately, through concrete actions," he said.