TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo instructed 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 Coordination and Development Meeting (Rakorbangnas), Thursday 29 July 2021.

Jokowi hopes that BMKG will continue to provide services followed 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 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.

"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 President explained that Indonesia has a high risk of geohydrometeorological disasters. The number of disasters also increases significantly every year.

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

Earthquake disasters from the intensity level of 5,000-6,000 times every year in the period 2008-2016 have increased to 7,196 times in 2017 and 11,500 times in 2019. “Extreme weather and tropical cyclones have also increased 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 the former Governor of Jakarta.

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EKO ARI WIBOWO | MAUDEY K. SETYAKUSUMA