Minimizing Disaster Risk, Jokowi Requests BMKG Early Warning To Be Faster And Accurate

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo asked the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to improve technology adaptation so that observations, analysis, predictions and early warnings can be delivered more quickly and accurately.

"Improve technology adaptation for faster and more accurate observation, analysis, prediction and early warning," said President Jokowi virtually at the BMKG National Development and Coordination Meeting (Rakorbangnas) which was followed online in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Thursday, July 29. .

The President encouraged BMKG to continue to provide services accompanied by innovations in accordance with the latest technological developments.

"So that we are better able to minimize the risks we have to face," he said.

The warning issued by the BMKG, said the President, should also be a reference for decision-making by government officials in various sectors.

"BMKG information such as drought, extreme weather, earthquakes and air quality must be a concern and reference for various sectors in formulating policies," he said.

The BMKG, the President said, must be able to provide accurate services that can be obtained quickly and easily so that the ranks of the central and regional governments can take information from the BMKG for policy planning and development.

"National and regional policies must be sensitive and anticipatory towards disaster vulnerability," he said.

The President explained that Indonesia has a high risk of geohydrometeorological disasters. The number of disasters also increases significantly every year. Earthquake disasters from the intensity level of 5,000-6,000 times each year in the 2008-2016 period have increased to 7,196 times in 2017 and 11,500 times in 2019.

“Extreme weather and tropical cyclones are also increasing in frequency, duration and intensity. "The return period for the occurrence of El Nino or La Nina, in 1981-2020, tends to be faster, namely every 2-3 years, compared to the 1950-1980 period, which ranges from 5-7 years," said President Joko Widodo.