Indonesia More Vulnerable to Tropical Cyclones, What's Causing It?

Indonesia has long been regarded as a region relatively safe from tropical cyclones. Its proximity to the equator makes the formation of major storms, as commonly seen in the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic, rare in this region. However, that condition is now beginning to change. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that Indonesia is increasingly vulnerable to the threat of tropical cyclones. Global climate change and warming sea surface temperatures are the main factors driving this shift. A researcher at BRIN’s Climate and Atmospheric Research Centre, Yosef Prihanto, explained that ocean warming has altered the dynamics of cyclone formation around Indonesia. ‘Indonesia is no longer a safe region from cyclones. Warmer sea temperatures increase the likelihood of cyclone formation, even closer to our region,’ said Yosef on Thursday (5 March). During that period, researchers recorded hundreds of tropical cyclones formed in the southern region of Indonesia. Alarmingly, dozens of them even formed within Indonesian territory itself. This shows a change in cyclone formation patterns that were previously rare in the area. The shift means Indonesia is no longer fully protected by its geographic location around the equator. The threat of tropical cyclones is not merely theoretical. The impacts have already been felt by Indonesian communities. One of the most tangible examples is Cyclone Seroja which struck in April 2021. The storm triggered extreme rainfall leading to flash floods and landslides in several areas, notably in East Nusa Tenggara. The event caused substantial damage to infrastructure and claimed lives. The phenomenon demonstrates how tropical cyclones can trigger a chain of hydrometeorological disasters that are complex and dangerous. In addition to rising sea temperatures, global atmospheric dynamics also play a role in strengthening cyclone intensity.