Extreme Weather Threats on the Rise! Komdigi and BMKG Boost Early Warning System

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 08:56 | Digital Transformation | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI – The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) are strengthening their coordination to disseminate disaster information to the public. This initiative aims to ensure that early warnings of extreme weather and natural disasters are received more quickly and accurately.

During a meeting held at the Komdigi office in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid and Acting Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati discussed strategies for improving public communication, particularly in response to the rising trend of weather warnings from January to February 2025.

Expanding the Reach of the Early Warning System

One of the main steps taken is the dissemination of disaster information through various communication channels, including mobile operators and television broadcasts. The Early Warning System (EWS), developed since 2016 through SMS Blast, has been expanded to digital TV broadcasts since August 2024. Through collaboration between Komdigi and multiplexing providers such as TVRI, Transmedia, Metro TV, MNC, SCM, Viva, NTV, and RTV, disaster early warnings can now be displayed directly on television screens, reaching a wider audience in a shorter time.

According to Meutya Hafid, the coordination between Komdigi and BMKG has been long established. However, with the increasing occurrence of extreme weather and disasters, the public communication system needs further optimization. "The public must receive early warning information quickly and accurately," Meutya stated.

Increasing Occurrences of Extreme Weather

BMKG data indicates a significant rise in the number of extreme weather events and natural disasters from January to February 2025. Earthquake occurrences increased from 11 incidents in January to 25 in February, while major flooding struck the Greater Jakarta area on March 4 due to heavy rainfall.

Acting Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati emphasized that efforts to enhance human resource capacity and technology are continuously being made to improve the accuracy and precision of early warnings. "In terms of speed, we are greatly supported by Komdigi, particularly in the dissemination of early weather warnings through SMS Blast, which is becoming more extensive," Dwikorita stated.

Sustained Commitment to Disaster Communication

Komdigi and BMKG are committed to continuously strengthening public communication to ensure that every early warning message is widely and promptly delivered. With ongoing expansion of communication infrastructure, including improved mobile connectivity in remote areas, it is expected that people in disaster-prone regions will receive disaster information more swiftly.

This initiative aims to enhance public preparedness in facing potential disasters and reduce the risks posed by extreme weather and natural disasters in Indonesia.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Komdigi and BMKG marks a significant step in improving disaster preparedness and response across Indonesia. By leveraging advanced communication technology, including SMS Blast and digital TV integration, early warnings can be disseminated more efficiently. With extreme weather events on the rise, the continuous improvement of early warning systems is crucial in safeguarding lives and minimizing disaster impacts. Public awareness and quick response to warnings will play a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness of this initiative.

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