Acting Governor Teguh Discusses Extreme Weather Anticipation with Central Government

Acting Jakarta Governor, Teguh Setyabudi attended the leader coordination meeting led by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, Tuesday (12/10).

to minimize the impact of flood

The meeting discussed about extreme rainfall prediction in December 2024 up to January 2025, and flood anticipation efforts in Jabodetabek.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG); the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB); Basarnas and representatives of local governments from Jakarta, West Java, and regencies/cities in Jabodetabek.

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Pratikno said that it is important to prepare in facing high rainfall especially in Sumatra, Java, and up to East Nusa Tenggara.

"We are anticipating all areas fully, including Jabodetabek. The main step is to minimize the impact of flood with weather modification, infrastructure optimization, and the establishment of joint posts for real-time coordination," he said.

He added that joined weather modification by BMKG, BNPB, and local governments, is the main step. Pratikno explained that weather modification does not eliminate rain, but reduces its intensity, so that the burden on water infrastructure can be minimized. In addition, Pratikno emphasized the importance of infrastructure maintenance and optimization.

"Existing infrastructure should be repaired, maintained, and optimized. Technical officers in the field must also always be ready to respond to emergency conditions," he added.

Another step that will be implemented soon, he continued, is the establishment of a joint post at the BNPB office. It means coordination is carried out in real-time without the need for periodic meetings.

"Regional governments will send their representatives to monitor directly," he continued.

According to him, the government has prepared emergency response measures, including mapping flood-prone areas and providing aid posts if flood still occurs.

"Basarnas, Jakarta Provincial Government and related ministries have collected the prone to flood areas, and ensured the readiness of infrastructure and personnel," he said.

Acting Jakarta Governor, Teguh Setyabudi stated his party has carried out various mitigation efforts in synergy with related institutions to anticipate flood, including maximizing existing infrastructure.

Teguh explained that macro channels in Jakarta are able to accommodate rainfall of up to 150 mm per day, while supporting channels can handle up to 100 mm per day. However, rainfall above 250 mm per day will be difficult to handle optimally.

"That is why we work together with BMKG and BNPB to run weather modification. It is started on December 7 and up to early 2025," he explained.

According to him, Jakarta Provincial Government has identified prone to flood areas and prepared assistance posts to minimize the flood impact.

"It is hoped that the extreme rainy season impact can be minimized as much as possible with integrated steps between the central and regional governments," he stated.