MPR Deputy Chair reminds that BMKG predictions must serve as reference for mitigation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - MPR Deputy Chair Lestari Moerdijat has reminded all parties to use data and predictions from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) as a reference for strengthening mitigation and cross-sectoral coordination to prevent the impacts of the dry season in the country. “Whether El Niño occurs or not, we must still prepare to address the impacts of the predicted prolonged dry season as conveyed by BMKG. Impacts of the dry season such as drought, forest and land fires, and crop failures must be prevented early,” said Lestari in a written statement received in Jakarta on Thursday. She stated that BMKG predicts the 2026 dry season in Indonesia will arrive earlier, namely in April–June, marked by El Niño Godzilla, so the dry season is expected to be drier and longer compared to previous years. Around 64.5 percent of regions are predicted to experience below-normal rainfall, with the peak of the dry season expected in August–September 2026. According to Mbak Rerie, her affectionate nickname, public understanding of the weather phenomena to be faced in the coming weeks is very important to continue enhancing. For this reason, she asked the public not to misunderstand in responding to the occurring weather phenomena. For this, she also encouraged stakeholders at central and regional levels to provide proper understanding to the public, as part of the mitigation steps taken. Rerie emphasised that all BMKG data must be utilised to prepare facilities and mitigation schemes early, by establishing a number of policies that can be understood and oriented towards efforts to protect the public. “Don’t let the dry season bring disasters that can actually be prevented,” she said.