BMKG Issues coastal Flood Warning

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) officially announced a coastal flood warning for several coastal regions throughout Indonesia. The announcement, made on Sunday, March 16, 2025, via the agency’s Instagram account, @infobmkg, covers the period from March 6, 2025, to April 4, 2025. The BMKG emphasizes that the increased risk stems directly from specific astronomical phenomena occurring in March 2025.

The agency’s statement specifically highlights the influence of the full moon, anticipated on March 14, 2025, and the Super New Moon, scheduled for March 29, 2025.A Super New Moon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth (perigee) while simultaneously in its new moon phase. This alignment results in a heightened gravitational pull, subsequently impacting tidal ranges.

It has the potential to increase the maximum sea level height,

BMKG, @infobmkg

This potential increase in sea level height presents a significant threat to low-lying coastal areas, potentially leading to flooding and disruption of normal activities. The BMKG is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as necessary.

Areas at Risk of Coastal Flooding

Based on detailed water level data and meticulous tidal predictions, the BMKG has identified a range of coastal areas across Indonesia particularly vulnerable to flooding during the specified period. These areas span numerous provinces and islands, indicating a widespread potential impact. The agency urges residents in these locations to take necessary precautions.

The coastal regions facing potential flooding include:

• Coastal areas of North Sumatra (specifically, the coastal area of Belawan: march 13-19, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Riau Islands (Coastal area of Batam: March 14-19, 2025 & March 26-29, 2025; coastal area of Dabo Singkep: March 23-26, 2025; Coastal area of Karimun: March 14-19, 2025; Coastal area of Bintan: March 15-16, 2025 & march 28-29, 2025; Coastal area of tanjung Pinang: march 21-29, 2025)
• Coastal areas of West Sumatra (March 12-14, 2025 & March 28-29, 2025: Pariaman Beach, Padang coast, Padang pariaman coast, Painan coast)
• Coastal areas of Jambi (Berhala Strait: March 21-23, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Lampung (coastal area of Bandar Lampung: March 30-April 4, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Banten (Northern coast of Tangerang: March 8-9, 2025; West Sunda Strait coast Pandeglang, Southern Waters of Pandeglang, and Southern Waters of Lebak: March 30-31, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Jakarta (March 8-11, 2025: Kamal Muara coast, Kapuk Muara, Pluit, Ancol, Kamal, Marunda, Cilincing, Tanjung Priok, Kalibaru (North jakarta), Muara Angke coast, Penjaringan)
• Coastal areas of West Java (Coastal areas of Bekasi, Karawang, Subang, Indramayu: March 8-11, 2025; Coastal area of Cirebon: March 6-9, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Central Java (March 7-12, 2025 & march 22-27, 2025: Semarang City, Demak Regency, Pekalongan Regency, Brebes Regency, Tegal City, Tegal Regency, Pemalang Regency)
• Coastal areas of East Kalimantan (West Balikpapan coast: March 7, 2025, March 11-21, 2025 & march 26-31, 2025; East Balikpapan coast: March 31, 2025)
• Coastal areas of South Kalimantan (Coastal areas of kotabaru Waters: March 12-21, 2025; Coastal areas of Barito River Estuary: March 7-12, 2025 & March 22-27, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Central Kalimantan (Southern coastal areas of West Kotawaringin: March 8-14, 2025 & March 23-28, 2025)
• Coastal areas of West Kalimantan (coastal area of Pontianak: March 10-14, 2025 & March 24-27, 2025)
• coastal areas of North Sulawesi (March 12-16, 2025 & March 27-31, 2025: North coast of North Sulawesi, North coast of Sangihe Islands, East coast of Sangihe Islands, North coast of Talaud Islands, East coast of Talaud islands)
• Coastal areas of west sulawesi (Coastal areas of Mamuju Regency, Central Mamuju, Pasangkayu: March 13-14, 2025 & March 29, 2025)
• Coastal areas of Maluku (March 12-16, 2025 and march 27-31, 2025: Saumlaki coast, Kai Islands coast, Aru islands coast, East Seram Regency coast, Ambon City coast)
• coastal areas of Central Maluku (march 18-21, 2025 & March 29-april 1, 2025)
• Coastal areas of North Maluku (March 12-16, 2025 & March 27-31, 2025: Morotai coast, Tobelo coast, Loloda coast, Wasile coast, patani coast, Gebe coast)

Impact on Coastal Activities

The BMKG has warned that the potential coastal flooding could considerably disrupt various activities commonly conducted in and around coastal areas. These disruptions may

Indonesia’s Coastal Flood Threat: Expert Insights on Rising tides adn Regional Impacts

“Coastal flooding isn’t just a localized issue; it’s a cascading crisis that impacts everything from livelihoods too national infrastructure.”

World-today-News.com (WTN): Dr.Anya Sharma, a leading expert in coastal geophysics, welcome to World Today News. Given the BMKG’s coastal flood alert for Indonesia, can you explain the primary drivers behind this increased risk of inundation across numerous Indonesian regions?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me.The BMKG’s warning highlights a crucial interplay of factors.the primary driver is the gravitational pull of astronomical events, specifically full moons and, in this case, a super new moon. These celestial alignments amplify tidal ranges,leading to higher high tides and increased chances of coastal flooding,particularly in low-lying areas. This is exacerbated by factors such as sea level rise, changing weather patterns, and existing coastal vulnerabilities, like inadequate infrastructure or deforestation. Understanding these contributing elements is vital to developing effective coastal protection strategies.

WTN: The BMKG alert specifically mentions the full moon and super new moon in March 2025.Can you elaborate on how these phenomena specifically contribute to increased coastal flooding?

Dr. Sharma: The full moon and super new moon amplify the already existing gravitational force of the sun and moon on Earth’s oceans. This means a much more powerful tidal surge impacting coastal regions. when the moon is closest to Earth—the perigee—during a new moon, the gravitational pull is significantly stronger, resulting in a super new moon as noted in the BMKG’s warning. This stronger pull raises the tide higher than usual, increasing the risk of coastal inundation. These astronomical events combine with other factors, making coastal flood events more severe. Understanding these lunar cycles is a crucial aspect of predicting and mitigating such events.

WTN: The alert covers a significant timeframe – March 6th to April 4th, 2025. Are the heightened risks consistent throughout this period, or are there specific times of heightened concern?

dr. Sharma: While the overall risk is elevated throughout the period,the peaks of highest risk coincide with the specific astronomical events. The days surrounding the full moon and the super new moon will witness the most significant increase in tidal ranges and therefore a greater likelihood of flooding. It’s crucial to note that local geographic factors like coastal topography, river systems, and storm surges can lead to variations within this period. Each coastal area’s risks may be different and must be analyzed specifically. The BMKG’s detailed regional forecasts provide essential localized facts.

WTN: The BMKG has identified several Indonesian provinces and coastal areas at particular risk.Can you explain how coastal vulnerability varies across these regions?

Dr. Sharma: Coastal vulnerability varies significantly due to several interacting factors. Low-lying coastal plains, dense populations, and poorly maintained infrastructure all contribute to increased risk. some areas, such as Jakarta and other heavily populated regions, are particularly vulnerable due simply to the number of potential people and assets that are at risk. Additionally, degraded mangrove forests reduce natural protection. Similarly, other areas with long histories of coastal erosion may experience disproportionately higher risks during these high-tide events. Assessments of local environmental conditions are critical for risk management.

WTN: What practical steps can Indonesian coastal communities take to mitigate the risks associated with this coastal flood alert?

Dr.Sharma: Communities can take several steps, including:

Developing early warning systems: Working with the BMKG and local authorities, it is vital to create accurate warning systems and develop emergency plans.

Strengthening infrastructure: Investing in robust seawalls, flood defenses, and improved drainage systems is critical.

Implementing natural solutions: Restoring and protecting mangrove forests and other natural coastal buffers improves protection against high tides and storm surges. Coastal green infrastructure offers better sustainability.

Community education and preparedness: Educating the community about the risks and encouraging the growth of tailored emergency plans helps mitigate the impact of the flooding.

* Elevating buildings: Elevating the homes and buildings in vulnerable areas decreases the potential for damage from flooding.

WTN: What broader lessons can be learned from Indonesia’s situation,concerning coastal flood management and global climate change?

Dr. Sharma: Indonesia’s experience underscores the urgent need for proactive and holistic adaptation strategies for coastal regions worldwide. Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of coastal flood events. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, implementing nature-based solutions, and strengthening early warning systems are all critical components of our response to this globally-felt problem. We must incorporate high-risk areas and the potential for significant storm surges while doing so. The effective management of Indonesia’s coastal zones will set an important example for other vulnerable nations around the world.

WTN: Dr.Sharma, thank you for providing this insightful overview and valuable advice. This information is crucial for indonesian communities and indeed, for communities worldwide facing similar challenges. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.