Pramono Cites BMKG: Possibility of Rain in Jakarta During Eid al-Fitr
Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) DKI Jakarta has responded to public concerns regarding extreme heat warnings that have recently affected the capital region.
Referencing weather forecasts ahead of Eid al-Fitr, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung confirmed a trend of scorching temperatures based on observations from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
“First, regarding Eid al-Fitr, BMKG data does show that beforehand the weather will be hot,” Pramono stated at the National Monument (Monas) area in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (17 March).
Although air temperatures will feel intense in the days leading up to the holiday, this condition is not predicted to persist until the height of celebrations. Pramono revealed that according to BMKG reports, the capital’s weather will gradually change and may actually see moderate rainfall when Eid arrives.
“However, at the time of Eid al-Fitr there is a possibility of moderate rainfall,” he explained.
Given the natural rainfall projections expected to affect the capital, Jakarta Provincial Government has made a definitive decision regarding weather intervention measures. Consequently, the proposal for cloud seeding to counter the heat has been deemed unnecessary in the near term, as natural conditions are predicted to already be sufficient.
“Therefore, Jakarta does not yet require artificial rain-making,” Pramono concluded.
Health screening for homecoming bus drivers
During the same visit, Pramono inspected the readiness of bus fleets and ensured that drivers assigned to the Eid homecoming were physically fit and free from narcotics.
“I also directly inspected the drivers who underwent health and drug testing. And I also received a report from the Head of the Transportation Service that vehicle inspections have been conducted for all buses heading home,” Pramono stated.
With thorough preparation of fleets and human resources, Pramono expressed confidence that this year’s annual mass exodus could be enjoyed by residents without significant obstacles.
Message to returning migrants
Additionally, Pramono acknowledged anticipating potential crowding during the return journey period. Recognising the relatively lengthy holiday period, he reminded homecoming migrants to arrange their return schedules wisely and to maximise the return transport services provided by the local government.
“And we also request and appeal to residents returning to Jakarta, since this holiday is lengthy, not everyone needs to return all at once at the beginning,” Pramono stated.
“For migrants using transport prepared by Jakarta Provincial Government, hopefully they can continue using the facilities provided to return to Jakarta and with enthusiasm to work again in Jakarta,” he added.
Jakarta Transportation Service Head Syafrin Liputo noted that public enthusiasm this year has surged dramatically, so the number of bus fleets deployed has also increased significantly.
“The total number of passengers transported under the free homecoming and return programme this year is 35,012 passengers,” Syafrin stated.
No enforcement operations against new arrivals
Additionally, Pramono assured that no enforcement operations will be conducted post-Eid. He only urged each new arrival to possess relevant skills.
He reminded that although the capital does not prohibit arrivals from outside the region, adequate expertise is crucial for surviving economically.
“People coming to Jakarta are expected to be those with capabilities that the Jakarta Government currently needs, or the businesses in Jakarta,” Pramono stated.
This firm warning regarding the importance of such expertise was conveyed given the harsh reality of competitive life in Jakarta, which often falls short of migrants’ expectations.
Therefore, whilst facilitating citizens’ mobility without administrative barriers, he asked newcomers to prepare to work hard to face challenges in the field.
“Because life in Jakarta is not as portrayed to be smooth—it turns out it is not; one must work hard to achieve that. And we have decided there will be no enforcement operations. So Jakarta is open to everyone,” Pramono stated.