Indonesia Is Hit By Extreme Weather, The Government Must Strengthen The Early Warning System To Prevent Disaster Impacts

Photo by Nao Takabayashi on Unsplash

JAKARTA - In the last few days extreme weather has hit a number of areas in Indonesia. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani asked the Government to mitigate and strengthen the early warning system to prevent the impact of natural disasters on the community.

"The government needs to immediately take concrete and comprehensive steps to prevent greater risk of casualties and damage due to extreme weather that is hitting Indonesia," said Puan Maharani, Tuesday, November 12.

Heavy rains in the last few days have caused landslides, fallen trees, and billboards fell due to strong winds. One of them is a 20-meter long landslide on the edge of the Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) Veteran Toll Road, Bintaro, South Jakarta, last Saturday, which occurred due to heavy rains.

The landslide on the JORR Bintaro toll cliff makes various chunks and cliff material scattered onto the road under it. Luckily there were no casualties as a result of the incident.

Heavy rains also caused landslides in Sengkeran Hamlet, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java, last night. The disaster caused 2 houses to be hit by avalanche material and 8 people injured.

Puan also highlighted the issue of an accident on the Cipularang KM 92 Toll Road that occurred on Monday (11/11) afternoon and involved 21 vehicles. Although it is suspected that there was a human error from the tronton truck driver who triggered a series of accidents, the conditions at the location at the time of the accident were known to have rained and the roads were slippery due to wet.

As a result of the incident, one person died and three others were seriously injured. Puan expressed her condolences for the accident.

Puan reminded the Government to further improve mitigation programs, including infrastructure on roads. Moreover, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has confirmed that the La Nina phenomenon has occurred in Indonesia.

BMKG has also issued another warning about the potential for extreme weather, especially for the next week. In parts of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, it is predicted that moderate to heavy rain will be established.

"It is important for the Government to increase readiness in facing these uncertain natural challenges," said Puan.

"The government must also strengthen the early warning system, especially in disaster-prone areas as one of the main priorities. An accurate early warning system will help residents to prepare and anticipate emergency situations caused by extreme weather," he continued.

Furthermore, Puan emphasized the need to optimize the use of the latest technology and collaboration between the BMKG, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and other related institutions so that disaster mitigation can be maximized. In addition, the Government is asked to be more responsive in dealing with extreme weather conditions.

"Prioritize people who are in disaster areas to get access to an early warning system so that they can anticipate potential disasters," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also encouraged the Government and related institutions to streamline the use of social media, sirens in vulnerable areas, and mobile applications to disseminate information about extreme weather. The hope, said Puan, is that the impact of natural disasters due to extreme weather can be minimized.

"And evaluate the disaster mitigation supporting infrastructure, especially in areas that are often affected by floods and landslides," he said.

Puan also reminded local governments to always check infrastructure conditions such as dams, drainage, and talud retaining land. Because solid infrastructure will reduce the risk of natural disasters due to extreme weather.

"We cannot wait until a disaster occurs to improve infrastructure. The government needs to immediately allocate funds and personnel to ensure that infrastructure in vulnerable areas is sufficient to withstand potential disasters," said Puan.

On the other hand, the Government is also reminded to carry out comprehensive and routine risk mapping to adjust development zoning in safe areas. This is because development in disaster-prone areas must be strictly regulated.

"For people who still live in vulnerable areas, relocation needs to be a priority to reduce the risk of casualties and property losses," said Puan.

In addition, Puan asked the Government to promote education about disaster preparedness to the community.

"The increase in public knowledge regarding the steps that must be taken in an emergency will be very helpful in reducing victims when a disaster occurs," explained Bung Karno's grandson.

"Public preparedness is key. The government must involve the community in this mitigation effort so that they know the steps that must be taken to save themselves and help others," added Puan.

Puan again asked the Government to collaborate and coordinate between related institutions to facilitate the evacuation process and distribution of aid running smoothly during disasters and post-disaster recovery can be carried out efficiently.

"If collaboration and coordination run smoothly, everything will be implemented properly," he said.

Puan also encouraged the Government, especially the local government, to tighten supervision of environmental destruction activities and ensure that mitigation measures are not only focused on infrastructure but also on preserving nature that is the natural protector of the community.

The extreme weather that is increasingly occurring is clear evidence of the impact of climate change. We cannot ignore the impact of real climate change. This is our shared responsibility to protect the environment for a safer future for our children and grandchildren," explained Puan.

"With a strong commitment and good coordination, it is hoped that Indonesia can be better prepared to face natural challenges in the future," he added.

To the public, Puan asked to always be aware of potential disasters.

"In the midst of extreme weather conditions, caution must be a top priority. Increase vigilance and avoid doing activities in areas or places that have the potential for disasters," concluded Puan.