Behind the Naming of Tropical Cyclone Cempaka and Dahlia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati explained reasons behind the naming of two recent tropical cyclones in Indonesia; Cempaka and Dahlia.

Dwikorita said that cyclones in Indonesia are named after types of flowers so that it would not cause further panic and public fear. “In public communications, a name must not [have an element] that can cause panic,” said Dwikorita on Friday, December 1.

Read: BNPB After Cyclone Cempaka Now Cyclone Dahlia Closing in

Other than avoiding further panic, Dwikorita said that the decision to name cyclones after flowers is to represent Indonesia’s unique elements. She said that Indonesia once named a cyclone “Durga” but it was protested by the Indian Government since it was not just Indonesia that used the name. It was the time Indonesia decided to name cyclones after types of flowers.

She further explained that the names of cyclones in Indonesia were already listed in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The names would then be used when a cyclone forms on Indonesian territories.

Cyclone Cempaka recently caused Indonesia to experience weather anomalies and caused mass-flooding in areas such as Yogyakarta and Pacitan. Meanwhile, on November 29, cyclone Dahlia formed at 8,2 South Latitude and 100,8 East Longitude or roughly 470 kilometers south of Bengkulu which is currently moving away Indonesia’s southeastern part. 

M Yusuf Manurung