Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, has issued a significant call to action for the entire Indonesian population to proactively manage water resources and governance in preparation for the potential impacts of the El Nino phenomenon.
The urgent message was conveyed following her participation in a crucial limited meeting, which delved into the various ways of anticipating and mitigating the effects of El Nino. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and several key ministers from the Indonesia Maju Cabinet also attended this important session at the illustrious Merdeka Palace on the eventful Tuesday of July 18, 2023.
During this meeting, Dwikorita passionately advocated for a multifaceted approach that includes not only environmental conservation but also a meticulous regulation of water governance. She stressed the significance of adapting agricultural practices to better cope with potential shifts in climate patterns.
Furthermore, she highlighted the invaluable role of continuously monitoring the ever-changing weather and climate data provided by the BMKG, allowing communities to remain informed and prepared for any arising challenges.
El Nino, a climate phenomenon notorious for its disruption of normal weather patterns, is forecasted to reach its peak intensity in the upcoming months of August and September this year. While it is classified as weak to moderate in intensity, Dwikorita reiterated the essential need for vigilance, as it could still have adverse effects on water availability, leading to potential water shortages and drought conditions, thereby impacting food productivity and jeopardizing overall food security.
The BMKG, under Dwikorita’s guidance, has already commenced proactive measures in February 2023 to anticipate and address the possible consequences of El Nino.
This forward-thinking approach has allowed the agency to work closely with various government bodies and institutions to implement strategic plans that aim to minimize the adverse effects of the phenomenon on various sectors, particularly agriculture and food production.
As Indonesia enters the dry season, the situation becomes even more critical. Despite its geographical uniqueness, influenced by two oceans and endowed with a diverse topography encompassing numerous mountains, there is still the potential for certain regions to face severe consequences such as drought, floods, and hydro-meteorological disasters.
With her profound insights into the matter, Dwikorita emphatically asserts that the situation will not be uniformly dry throughout the nation. Instead, there may be interspersed areas experiencing wet hydro-meteorological disasters, making it even more imperative to implement sound environmental management and water governance practices to protect vulnerable communities.
In light of the gravity of the situation, Dwikorita expressed her gratitude for receiving guidance and encouragement from the country’s Head of State, emphasizing that collective efforts from all relevant ministries and government agencies are essential to effectively mitigate the potential impacts of El Nino.
As the nation braces itself for the upcoming challenges, the BMKG continues to fulfill its critical role in providing timely and accurate weather and climate information, enabling communities to make informed decisions and implement appropriate adaptation measures.
The synergy between the government, scientific institutions, and the public will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s resilience and fostering sustainable development amidst the ever-changing climate dynamics.
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