Jakarta BPBD Readies Mitigation for El Niño and Air Pollution

The Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Executive Secretary, Marulitua Sijabat, revealed that his agency has begun preparing mitigation measures to face the El Niño phenomenon as the dry season arrives in Jakarta.

Ensuring that the impact of El Niño can be minimized

These efforts are being undertaken to anticipate the potential for dry hydrometeorological disasters, which could have a widespread impact across the capital.

Based on coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), as well as cross-sector meetings with the central government, TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), National Police (Polri), and other related units, this year's El Niño is projected to last longer than in 2023.

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"The impact involves three primary issues: drought, the potential for fires—including in Jakarta's urban areas—and increased air pollution," he expressed, Friday (4/24).

He explained that several mitigation measures have been prepared by the Jakarta BPBD. One such measure involves the deployment of water mist equipment belonging to the Environmental Agency (DLH), as well as similar devices installed in various buildings, to help suppress the impact of air pollution.

Further, Jakarta BPBD is currently drafting plans in coordination with BMKG to implement weather modification operations during the dry season, specifically for the peak of El Niño, which is projected to occur in August 2024.

Marulitua stated that the technology currently being prepared differs from the methods used during the rainy season, as it is specifically focused on mitigating the impacts of drought.

"We are currently formulating these plans with BMKG to assess implementation requirements, ensuring that the impact of El Niño can be minimized," he said.

These series of measures will be formalized in a Gubernatorial Instruction to serve as a guideline for all regional government agencies in facing the potential for dry hydrometeorological disasters. The instruction will also include the activation of the Clean Water Task Force and coordination with PAM Jaya to ensure the distribution of clean water to the community.

Jakarta BPBD has also prepared water tankers that are ready for immediate deployment to help meet clean water needs in the field.

Jakarta City Council Commission A Member, Achmad Yani emphasized the importance of cross-departmental coordination in addressing the potential impacts of El Niño. He urged all regional government agencies to avoid working in silos and instead develop integrated planning and mitigation strategies.

“The expectation is for every agency to have clear and well-coordinated anticipatory measures in place, ensuring that there are no detrimental impacts or losses for the public,” he concluded.