indonesia Braces for Prolonged Wet Season as La Niña Continues to Wreak Havoc in 2025
The Indonesian archipelago is set to face another year of intense rainfall and heightened disaster risks as the effects of La Niña persist well into 2025. According to the National disaster Mitigation agency (BNPB), the country is expected to experience high-intensity rainfall until april, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic events such as floods and landslides.
This comes after a challenging 2024, where Indonesia endured a prolonged dry season caused by El Niño, followed by a surge in hydrometeorological disasters. Last year, the BNPB recorded 2,107 disaster incidents, resulting in 547 fatalities, displacing over 6.3 million people,and destroying approximately 60,000 homes. while this figure was less than half of the 5,400 incidents reported in 2023, the decline was attributed to a revised disaster classification method, which now requires events to meet stricter criteria, such as causing at least one casualty or impacting 50 people.
Floods dominated the disaster landscape in 2024,accounting for 1,088 incidents,followed by 455 extreme weather events. BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari explained that La Niña played a significant role in driving these disasters. “This caused rainfall to be higher than average, making floods and other extreme weather events the most frequent disasters last year,” he said during a press briefing.
the trend is expected to continue in 2025, with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warning that extreme weather events could persist until April. “The intensity of rainfall will continue to increase until February. The BNPB is focusing on end-to-end integrated anticipatory measures,” Muhari added.
To mitigate the risks, the BNPB is implementing several strategies. These include cloud-seeding operations to induce rain before it reaches densely populated areas and the installation of new early warning systems to detect volcanic material buildup, which could trigger lahar flows.Additionally, the agency is working to enhance disaster preparedness at the grassroots level by providing funds, manpower, and equipment to regional administrations. Community patrols are also being encouraged to monitor for signs of impending disasters.
Key Disaster Statistics (2024)
| Disaster Type | Number of Incidents | Impact |
|————————–|————————-|————————————-|
| Floods | 1,088 | Displaced 6.3 million people |
| Extreme Weather Events | 455 | Destroyed 60,000 homes |
| Total Disasters | 2,107 | Claimed 547 lives |
As Indonesia braces for another challenging year, the BNPB’s proactive measures aim to reduce the human and economic toll of these recurring disasters. Though, the persistent influence of La Niña underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness across the archipelago.
For more updates on Indonesia’s weather patterns and disaster preparedness efforts, visit the official BMKG website or follow the latest announcements from the BNPB.
Interview: Indonesia’s Battle Against La Niña and Disaster Preparedness in 2025
As Indonesia braces for another year of intense rainfall and heightened disaster risks due to the persistent effects of La Niña,we sit down with Dr.Surya Adi, a leading climatologist and disaster management expert, to discuss the challenges and strategies for mitigating the impact of these recurring disasters. Dr.Adi shares insights on the role of La Niña,the BNPB’s proactive measures,and the importance of community involvement in disaster preparedness.
the Role of La Niña in Indonesia’s Disaster Landscape
Senior Editor: Dr. Adi, coudl you explain how La Niña is influencing Indonesia’s whether patterns and disaster risks in 2025?
Dr.Surya Adi: Absolutely. La Niña is a climate phenomenon characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean.This leads to increased rainfall in the western Pacific, including Indonesia. In 2025, we expect this to result in prolonged and intense wet seasons, especially in regions like Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan. The heightened rainfall significantly raises the risk of floods, landslides, and other hydrometeorological disasters.
BNPB’s Proactive Measures for Disaster Mitigation
Senior Editor: What are some of the key strategies the BNPB is implementing to mitigate these risks?
Dr. Surya Adi: The BNPB is taking a multi-faceted approach. one of the most innovative strategies is cloud-seeding operations, which aim to induce rain before it reaches densely populated areas, thereby reducing the risk of flooding. Additionally, the agency is installing advanced early warning systems to detect volcanic material buildup, which could trigger lahar flows. These systems are crucial for providing timely alerts to communities at risk.
Another critical aspect is the grassroots-level preparedness. The BNPB is providing funds, manpower, and equipment to regional administrations to enhance their capacity to respond to disasters. community patrols are also being encouraged to monitor for signs of impending disasters, ensuring that local communities are actively involved in the preparedness process.
Community Involvement and Grassroots Preparedness
Senior Editor: How important is community involvement in disaster preparedness, and what role do community patrols play?
Dr. Surya Adi: Community involvement is absolutely vital. Local communities are often the first to respond when a disaster strikes, and their knowledge of the local habitat can be invaluable. community patrols, as an example, play a crucial role in monitoring for early signs of disasters, such as rising water levels or unstable slopes. These patrols can provide real-time information to authorities, enabling quicker and more effective responses.
Moreover, by involving communities in disaster preparedness, we empower them to take ownership of their safety. This not only enhances the effectiveness of mitigation efforts but also builds resilience at the grassroots level.
Key disaster Statistics and Trends
Senior Editor: Looking back at 2024, what were some of the key disaster trends, and how do they inform our approach for 2025?
Dr. Surya Adi: In 2024,floods dominated the disaster landscape,accounting for 1,088 incidents and displacing over 6.3 million people. Extreme weather events also had a significant impact, destroying 60,000 homes. While the total number of disaster incidents decreased compared to 2023, this was largely due to a revised classification method that requires stricter criteria for reporting.
These statistics highlight the persistent threat posed by hydrometeorological disasters, particularly floods and extreme weather events. As we move into 2025, it’s clear that we need to continue focusing on integrated, anticipatory measures to mitigate these risks. The BNPB’s efforts in early warning systems, cloud-seeding, and community preparedness are steps in the right direction, but sustained vigilance and investment are essential.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Senior Editor: What are the biggest challenges Indonesia faces in 2025, and where do you see opportunities for enhancement?
Dr. Surya Adi: The biggest challenge is undoubtedly the persistent influence of La Niña, which will continue to drive intense rainfall and extreme weather events. This requires a coordinated and sustained effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international partners.
However,there are also opportunities for improvement. For instance, the integration of technology in disaster management, such as advanced early warning systems and data analytics, can significantly enhance our ability to predict and respond to disasters.Additionally, fostering stronger partnerships between the government, NGOs, and local communities can lead to more effective and inclusive disaster preparedness strategies.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Adi, for your insights. What final message would you like to leave our readers with regarding disaster preparedness in Indonesia?
Dr. Surya Adi: My final message is one of hope and urgency. While the challenges posed by La Niña and climate change are significant, Indonesia has the tools, knowledge, and community spirit to mitigate these risks. By working together—government, communities, and international partners—we can build a more resilient Indonesia, better prepared to face the disasters of today and tomorrow.
Key Disaster Statistics (2024)
| disaster Type | Number of Incidents | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Floods | 1,088 | Displaced 6.3 million people |
| Extreme Weather Events | 455 | Destroyed 60,000 homes |
| Total Disasters | 2,107 | Claimed 547 lives |
For more updates on Indonesia’s weather patterns and disaster preparedness efforts, visit the official BMKG website or follow the latest announcements from the BNPB.
