BMKG Explains Causes of 'Bediding' Phenomenon in Greater Malang and Its Impacts

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) East Java Climatology Station has provided an official explanation regarding the bediding phenomenon, a significant drop in air temperature, in the Greater Malang region. This cold weather event occurring during the dry season is predicted to last until September 2026. BMKG East Java Climatology Station Forecaster, Linda Fitrotul, explained that bediding is a seasonal cycle triggered by the active east monsoon winds. These winds carry dry and cold air masses from the Australian continent towards Indonesia. “Bediding is marked by active east monsoon winds that are dry and cold. This condition is exacerbated by minimal cloud cover and low rainfall intensity during the dry season,” Linda said, as quoted from Antara on Thursday (4/6). Based on BMKG observation data, air temperatures in Greater Malang have dropped drastically, especially during the early morning hours. BMKG has warned that this phenomenon does not only affect human comfort but also productive sectors. In highland areas, the appearance of frost poses a serious threat to horticultural crops, vegetables, and flowers because it can cause damage to plant tissue. In the livestock sector, extreme cold temperatures can trigger stress in farm animals. If not anticipated, this condition can reduce animal immunity, trigger disease outbreaks, and even cause livestock deaths. The public is advised to maintain body health by wearing warm clothing during night and morning activities, while farmers and ranchers are urged to take mitigation steps to minimise losses due to extreme temperatures.