Pollution and Drought Loom Over Jakarta Amid El Niño, DKI BPBD Prepares Mitigation

JAKARTA - The Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD DKI) has begun preparing mitigation measures to address El Niño as the 2026 dry season approaches. One of the steps involves activating water mist equipment owned by the Environmental Agency (DLH) and similar devices in various buildings to help suppress air pollution. These efforts are focused on curbing the impacts of air pollution and drought that could spread widely in Jakarta. Additionally, BPBD DKI is formulating plans with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for weather modification during the dry period, particularly at the peak of El Niño expected in August. These anticipatory measures also include drafting a Governor’s Instruction as a guideline for all regional apparatus in facing potential dry hydrometeorological disasters. BPBD DKI is also preparing water tank trucks that can be operated at any time to assist in meeting water needs in the field. The Acting Secretary of BPBD DKI Jakarta, Marulitua Sijabat, stated that these steps were compiled based on coordination with BMKG as well as cross-sectoral meetings with the central government, TNI-Polri, and related agencies. According to him, this year’s El Niño is expected to last longer than in 2023, necessitating earlier preparedness. “The impacts involve three main issues: drought, potential fires including in Jakarta’s urban areas, and rising air pollution,” said Marulitua on Friday (24/4/2026), quoted from the official DKI Jakarta Provincial Government website. He urged all regional apparatus not to work in silos but to develop integrated anticipatory measures so that the impacts do not harm the public. “The hope is that all agencies have clear and well-coordinated anticipatory steps, so as not to cause losses to the community,” said Achmad Yani.