Extreme Rainfall Paralyzes Jakarta During Chinese New Year Celebrations
Jakarta, Indonesia – The festive spirit of the Chinese New Year on January 29, 2025, was dampened by torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding across the capital. the rainfall, described as extreme by Indonesia’s weather agency BMKG, inundated 51 residential areas and 21 road sections, with water levels reaching up to one meter in some areas.
The BMKG reported that the rain was evenly distributed across Greater Jakarta, including Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, from Tuesday night to early Wednesday morning. The Kemayoran Meteorological Station recorded 184 mm of rainfall over 24 hours,while the Soekarno-Hatta Meteorological Station near the airport measured a staggering 250 mm. Both figures far exceeded the threshold for extreme rain, which is classified as more than 150 mm.
The deluge caused significant disruptions,especially at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Flooding on access roads, perimeter roads, and even within the airport terminals led to traffic congestion and flight delays, leaving travelers stranded.
The BMKG’s weekly weather outlook for January 30 to February 6 highlighted even more alarming figures.In Cengkareng, west Jakarta, rainfall reached 264 mm, while Pulomas in East Jakarta recorded 214.6 mm. “Several other areas in Jabodetabek experienced intensities of over 150 mm/day,” the agency stated.Other regions also faced heavy downpours. The Citeko Meteorological Station in bogor reported 112 mm of rain,while the Tanjung Priok Maritime Meteorological Station recorded 91 mm.
The flooding reached the heart of the city, including the iconic Monas area in Central Jakarta. Residents were forced to navigate submerged streets, with many neighborhoods rendered inaccessible.
| Location | Rainfall (mm) | Classification |
|—————————-|——————-|——————–|
| Kemayoran | 184 | Extreme |
| Soekarno-Hatta Airport | 250 | Extreme |
| Cengkareng, West Jakarta | 264 | Extreme |
| Pulomas, East Jakarta | 214.6 | Extreme |
| Citeko, Bogor | 112 | Very Heavy |
| tanjung Priok | 91 | Heavy |
The BMKG emphasized that the rainfall in Greater Jakarta was the highest recorded across Indonesia during this period.
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Extreme Rainfall Paralyzes jakarta during Chinese New Year Celebrations
Table of Contents
Jakarta, Indonesia – The festive spirit of the Chinese New Year on January 29, 2025, was overshadowed by torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding across the capital. The rainfall, described as extreme by Indonesia’s weather agency BMKG, inundated 51 residential areas and 21 road sections, with water levels reaching up to one meter in some areas. In this exclusive interview, Dr.Surya Adiputra, a renowned meteorologist, discusses the causes and impacts of this unprecedented weather event.
The Record-Breaking Rainfall
Editor: Dr. Adiputra, the BMKG reported that Kemayoran and Soekarno-Hatta Airport recorded 184 mm and 250 mm of rainfall, respectively, far exceeding the threshold for extreme rain. What factors contributed to such intense precipitation?
Dr. Adiputra: Several factors played a role. The monsoon season, combined with a convergence of warm, moist air over Jakarta, created ideal conditions for heavy and prolonged rainfall. Additionally,the urban heat island effect,where the city’s infrastructure traps heat,exacerbated the situation by intensifying localized downpours.
Impacts on Transportation and Infrastructure
Editor: The flooding caused important disruptions at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, including flight delays and stranded travelers. How did the rainfall affect other parts of Jakarta’s infrastructure?
Dr. Adiputra: The impact was widespread.In addition to the airport, major roads and residential areas were inundated, making transportation nearly impossible in some regions. For example, Cengkareng in west Jakarta recorded 264 mm of rain, while Pulomas in East Jakarta saw 214.6 mm. These areas experienced severe flooding, with water levels rising rapidly and overwhelming drainage systems.
Regional Rainfall Variations
Editor: The BMKG noted regional variations, with areas like Citeko in Bogor and Tanjung Priok recording 112 mm and 91 mm, respectively. Why do these variations occur?
Dr. Adiputra: Rainfall distribution is rarely uniform, especially in a region as geographically diverse as Greater Jakarta.Topography, wind patterns, and localized weather systems all contribute to these variations. As a notable example, Citeko, being in the foothills of Bogor, frequently enough receives higher rainfall due to orographic lifting, where moist air is forced to rise over mountains, cooling and condensing into precipitation.
The Broader Implications
Editor: The BMKG emphasized that this was the highest rainfall recorded in Greater Jakarta during this period. What are the broader implications for the city’s resilience to extreme weather?
Dr. Adiputra: This event underscores the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure. Jakarta’s drainage systems are outdated and inadequate for handling such extreme weather. Additionally, climate change is highly likely to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, making it crucial for the city to invest in sustainable solutions like green infrastructure, better flood management, and public awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Adiputra, for your insights. It’s clear that the extreme rainfall in Jakarta is a wake-up call for the city to strengthen its resilience to climate-related challenges.
Dr. Adiputra: Absolutely. While the immediate focus is on recovery and relief, long-term strategies must be prioritized to mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events.