The Acting Secretary of BPBD DKI Jakarta, Marulitua Sijabat, stated that his team is starting to prepare mitigation measures to face the El Nino phenomenon as the dry season begins in Jakarta.

“So that the impact of El Nino can be minimized,”

This effort is carried out to anticipate potential dry hydrometeorological disasters that could have widespread effects in the capital.

Based on coordination with BMKG and cross-sector meetings with the central government, TNI-Polri, and related agencies, this year’s El Nino is expected to last longer than in 2023.

“There are three main impacts: drought, potential fires including in Jakarta’s urban areas, and increased air pollution,” said Marulitua on Friday (April 24).

He explained that several mitigation steps have been prepared by BPBD DKI. One of them involves activating water mist equipment owned by the Environmental Agency (DLH), as well as similar devices available in several buildings to help reduce the impact of air pollution.

Additionally, BPBD DKI is also developing a plan with BMKG to carry out weather modification during the dry season, especially during the peak of El Nino expected in August 2024.

Marulitua said that the technology being prepared differs from that used during the rainy season, as it focuses on reducing the impact of drought.

“We are currently working with BMKG to assess the implementation needs so that the impact of El Nino can be minimized,” he said.

These measures will later be outlined in a Governor’s Instruction as a guide for all regional apparatus in dealing with potential dry hydrometeorological disasters. This also includes activating the Clean Water Task Force and coordinating with PAM Jaya for clean water distribution to the public.

BPBD DKI is also preparing water tanker trucks that can be operated at any time to help meet clean water needs in the field.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission A of DPRD DKI Jakarta, Achmad Yani, emphasized the importance of cross-agency coordination in facing the potential El Nino. He requested that all regional apparatus work not partially, but develop planning and mitigation measures in an integrated manner.

“It is hoped that all agencies have clear and well-coordinated anticipatory steps, so as not to cause detrimental impacts on the community,” he asserted.

Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a sprawling metropolis on the northwest coast of Java. Originally a small port called Sunda Kelapa, it was renamed Batavia by the Dutch in the 17th century and served as the center of their colonial empire in the region. After Indonesia’s independence, the city was renamed Jakarta and has since grown into a dynamic, congested hub of commerce, politics, and culture.

BPBD DKI Jakarta

BPBD DKI Jakarta is the Regional Disaster Management Agency for the Indonesian capital, responsible for coordinating disaster response, mitigation, and preparedness. Established following the 2007 Disaster Management Law, it has become a key organization in addressing Jakarta’s frequent floods, fires, and other emergencies. The agency operates a 24/7 command center and uses advanced technology to monitor weather and water levels across the city.

BMKG

BMKG stands for Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika, which is Indonesia’s national agency for meteorology, climatology, and geophysics. Established initially as a colonial-era meteorological observation network in the 19th century, it was formally organized under the Dutch East Indies government and later became an independent Indonesian institution in 1955. Today, BMKG is responsible for providing weather forecasts, climate data, earthquake monitoring, and tsunami early warnings across the Indonesian archipelago.

PAM Jaya

PAM Jaya is the regional water utility company serving Jakarta, Indonesia, responsible for managing the city’s water supply and distribution. Established in 1977, it oversees the production and treatment of drinking water, but has faced challenges related to infrastructure, privatization, and service coverage. The company’s history reflects Jakarta’s ongoing struggle to provide reliable clean water to its rapidly growing population.