By: Arif Santoso
The floods that have affected several regions, especially in the Jabodetabek area, have tested the preparedness and quick response of the government in facing natural disasters. The increased rainfall intensity due to global climate change has exacerbated the risk of flooding, requiring rapid, coordinated, and sustainable responses. The Indonesian government has shown a strong commitment to reducing the impact of floods while ensuring effective recovery for the affected communities.
The Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, promptly stated that his ministry had deployed disaster response teams to various affected areas in Jakarta, Bekasi, and Bogor. The main focus of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) is on two key clusters: logistics and shelter locations. This reflects the government’s concern for the basic needs of flood victims, which not only includes food and clothing but also safe and adequate shelter. The Ministry of Social Affairs ensured that immediate aid, such as ready-to-eat meals, blankets, clothing, and mattresses, was promptly distributed. To expedite this process, Kemensos worked closely with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in the evacuation process. This coordination role shows how all parties involved synergize to address disasters more effectively.
In emergency situations, Kemensos does not only rely on physical recovery efforts but also enhances its handling system through the ongoing victim data collection. This data collection is crucial to ensure that aid is targeted and meets the actual needs. As a follow-up step, Kemensos distributed various urgent basic necessities, ranging from mattresses to ready-to-eat meals. This approach demonstrates how a response based on immediate needs can have a positive impact in helping communities struggling with disaster.
In addition to physical aid, disaster mitigation also remains a key concern. The Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, made significant contributions to disaster management efforts. Not only did BMKG rely on emergency response on the ground, but it also incorporated technology to mitigate the impact of extreme weather phenomena. Weather modification efforts by BMKG aim to reduce rainfall intensity in areas threatened by flooding. This decision was made after coordinating with the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture and BNPB. These weather modification efforts are not easy, as they require careful calculations to mitigate further potential hazards, but they demonstrate innovation that can enhance the effectiveness of disaster mitigation.
BMKG also conducts ongoing evaluations of the effectiveness of these weather modification operations. The success of the weather modification operation can help reduce the potential for further flooding, while strong inter-agency cooperation shows the government’s seriousness in protecting its citizens from extreme weather. In this process, BMKG encourages public support to work together to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and avoid potential fatalities. This preventive step shows a genuine commitment to ensuring public safety.
The Head of BNPB, Lieutenant General Suharyanto, provided further details on the ground situation. According to him, the weather modification operations held helped reduce rainfall intensity, so water levels began to recede in several affected areas. Although there were still some inundations in certain spots, such as in Bekasi, the affected communities had begun to return to their homes to clean up the aftermath of the floods. This recovery process shows that despite the large-scale impact of the disaster, with organized efforts, recovery can be carried out gradually.
BNPB ensures that weather modification operations will continue until March 11, 2025, according to predictions from BMKG. This provides a clear picture that the government is not only responding to disasters quickly but also working to mitigate further impacts. The continuation of these operations is a demonstration of care for affected citizens, ensuring that they can return to their activities safely.
Moreover, community participation plays a crucial role in the recovery process. The government continues to encourage the public to actively participate in disaster mitigation efforts, such as cleaning drainage systems, creating simple water catchment systems, and attending disaster preparedness training. Collaboration between the government and the public will strengthen mitigation efforts, reducing the impact of future disasters.
The government has proven its commitment to handling flood disasters, not only by relying on emergency responses but also by taking preventive and innovative steps. The coordination between Kemensos, BMKG, BNPB, and BPBD demonstrates how various agencies work together to address this issue comprehensively.
The government’s response, involving multiple sectors and technologies, is a concrete example of how disaster management should be conducted holistically. Not only addressing the immediate impact but also taking preventive actions to avoid further disasters. The preventive measures taken by BMKG with weather modification, as well as direct disaster response efforts by Kemensos and BNPB, are positive steps that provide a sense of security for communities in the face of difficult situations.
With the various efforts being made by the government, the public can feel more at ease, knowing that every action to reduce the impact of floods has been taken seriously. Through collaboration, technological innovation, and community participation, disaster management in Indonesia is expected to become more effective and resilient in facing ongoing climate change.
*) The author is an Environmental Observer.
