BMKG Warns of Tidal Flooding Risk During Ramadan and Eid Holidays in Indonesian Coastal Areas

The head of the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), Teuku Faisal Fathani, has warned of the potential for tidal flooding during the forthcoming Ramadan and Eid holiday period. Tidal flooding is caused by the new moon and the perigee phenomenon.

“There is potential for tidal flooding due to the new moon on 19 March and the perigee phenomenon, where the moon reaches its closest point to Earth on 22 March,” said Teuku Faisal during a meeting to discuss preparations for holiday travel infrastructure and services for Ramadan 2026, held with Commission V of the House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

He stated that tidal flooding could potentially occur in Indonesia’s coastal regions. As a result of this phenomenon, sea levels are expected to rise, causing tidal flooding.

“This has the potential to increase maximum sea levels, resulting in tidal flooding potential in coastal areas across Indonesia,” he said.

Teuku noted that weather modification is currently being conducted in three locations to minimise rainfall.

“Three regions are currently undergoing weather modification to reduce rainfall, with effectiveness at the Halim command centre reducing rainfall by up to 21 per cent. At the Husein Sastranegara command centre, the reduction approaches 50 per cent, and at the Ahmad Yani command centre, it is 41 per cent,” he said.

“The hope is that we can control and reduce the occurrence of hydrometeorological disasters in these areas,” he added.