Daryono Resigns as BMKG Director of Earthquake and Tsunami
Daryono, a figure widely known as an earthquake and tsunami expert, has officially stepped down from his position as Director of Earthquake and Tsunami at the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The announcement was rather sudden.
On Friday afternoon (13/2), he was still actively sharing information monitoring cloud conditions across Indonesia based on imagery from BMKG’s Himawari Satellite.
However, that evening he announced his decision to resign from the echelon II structural position.
The resignation was conveyed to the media after he submitted a formal request to the BMKG leadership. He also asked that the media no longer attribute his former title in news coverage.
Daryono, now 54 years old, stated that he had applied for early retirement, despite the age limit for echelon II positions being 60 years.
“I have submitted my resignation from the position of Director of Earthquake and Tsunami, whilst simultaneously applying for early retirement from BMKG,” Daryono told reporters on Saturday (14/2).
He explained that he remains registered as a BMKG employee until 1 May. He is currently undergoing medical treatment.
“I am currently suffering from an eye condition called corneal dystrophy and am receiving care and treatment, so I am on medical leave, which will be followed by early retirement,” he said.
In BMKG’s latest release, the position of Director of Earthquake and Tsunami is now filled by Acting Director Rahmat Triyono. BMKG’s Head of Public Relations, Taufan Maulana, also confirmed the news.
“That is correct, he has entered retirement,” said Taufan when contacted separately.
Although no longer in his post, Daryono affirmed his commitment to continuing disaster education for the public. He stated that he would continue to contribute as an expert and public educator in the field of earthquakes and tsunamis.
“I will remain consistent in contributing as an expert and public educator in the field of disaster management, whilst upholding scientific objectivity, integrity, and the interests of public safety,” said Daryono.
As a seismologist, he understands Indonesia’s position within the Ring of Fire, which carries consequences of high seismic activity and tsunami potential. For this reason, he is determined to continue disseminating scientific understanding to the public.
Daryono emphasised that he bears scientific responsibility, educational responsibility, and moral responsibility in conveying disaster information.
“I have scientific responsibility, educational responsibility, and moral responsibility,” he said.
“My commitment to public education in the field of seismology and disaster management will not cease,” he added.
During his tenure as BMKG’s Director of Earthquake and Tsunami, Daryono was known for actively providing analysis on seismological concepts and theories, earthquake sources, data processing, and the history of earthquakes and tsunamis, both domestically and internationally. He frequently disseminated information through official releases and his personal social media accounts.
Daryono was born in Semarang, Central Java, on 21 February 1971. He completed his Diploma III at the Academy of Meteorology and Geophysics (AMG) in 1993, then obtained his bachelor’s degree from the Meteorology and Geophysics Programme in the Physics Department at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in 2000. He completed his master’s degree at Udayana University in 2002, researching rainfall characteristics in Bali’s climate zones. He subsequently pursued doctoral studies in Geography at Gadjah Mada University in 2006.
His career at BMKG began as a technical staff member at the Regional MKG Centre III in Denpasar. He then became active as a geophysics researcher from 2005, holding numerous strategic positions ranging from Head of Academic Administration and Cadet Affairs at STMKG, Head of Earthquake and Tsunami Mitigation, to Head of Earthquake Information and Tsunami Early Warning. In 2022, he was entrusted with the position of BMKG Director of Earthquake and Tsunami, until he ultimately submitted his resignation and early retirement in 2026.