JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) ensures that the strong geomagnetic storm that occurred on January 20-21 only had a limited impact in the Indonesian region, although globally the phenomenon was recorded at G4 level or a heavy category.
The head of the BMKG Potential Geophysics Working Group, Syirojudin, said that the geomagnetic storm was triggered by very high solar activity, in the form of a solar flare of X1.9 class that occurred on January 18, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME) that led to the Earth.
"Globally, the geomagnetic storm warning reaches level G4. However, the physical impact in the Indonesian region is relatively lower because Indonesia's geographical position is at a low latitude," Syirojudin said when confirmed in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, January 20.
He explained that BMKG monitoring through the Earth's magnetic observatory network, one of which is in Tondano, North Sulawesi, indeed shows local magnetic disturbances in line with global events. However, the intensity of the disturbance tends to be dampened by the geomagnetic characteristics of the equatorial region.
Based on the results of observations, the local K index in the Tondano area was recorded in the range of K=8 to K=9. These values indicate the occurrence of large to extreme geomagnetic storms, with the peak of the disturbance recorded since early morning on January 20, western Indonesian time.
K Index and A Index are scientific parameters used to measure the level of disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field due to solar activity or space weather. These parameters are commonly used by BMKG, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other international geophysical agencies.
Syirojudin added that Indonesia is relatively protected from the worst effects of geomagnetic storms thanks to the equatorial electrojet phenomenon which serves as a natural shield against high-energy charged particles from solar activity.
However, BMKG still notes the potential temporary impacts that can be felt, such as reduced accuracy of the global positioning system (GPS) satellite navigation system, high-frequency radio communication (HF) interference, and fluctuations in satellite-based internet services.
He emphasized that the geomagnetic storm did not have a direct impact on human health and did not pose a fatal risk to the national electricity infrastructure.
"PLN and the national electricity system are considered safe from fatal risks due to this geomagnetic storm," said Syirojudin.
BMKG also appealed to the public to remain calm and asked telecommunications and navigation operators to monitor the quality of satellite signals during the period of disruption. BMKG also reminded the public and stakeholders to continue to follow official information related to geomagnetic activity through the monitoring channels provided.
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