Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Peak Commemoration of 72nd World Meteorological Day: Expose National Monitoring and Adaptation to Climate Change 2022, March 30, 2022
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May peace be upon us all,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of virtue,
Honorable Megawati Soekarnoputri, the fifth president of the Republic of Indonesia;
Distinguished Heads of State Institutions,
Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Head of Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Ranks, Heads of Government Agencies and Institutions,
Distinguished Governors, Regents, and Mayor;
Distinguished Guests.
To date, we are still facing phenomenon of climate change, which is more apparent. Global surface temperature and sea surface temperature are rising. Sea levels are rising that pose as a threat to coastal areas and small islands. Extreme weathers and climates will also become more frequent and bring more risks.
The impacts of climate change are unfavorable for Indonesia as an archipelagic and agricultural country. Frequency, intensity, and duration of geo and hydrometeorology disasters are increasing. Adaptability skill of crops and its productivity have also declined. It will pose as a threat to our food security.
To that end, I would like to deliver and underscore several points of note.
First, pay close attention to information on weather and climate change provided by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and other related agencies. Speed up formulation of policies on mitigation and adaptation of climate change and provide efforts to improve the handling to minimize impact of climate change.
Second, develop effective early warning systems in all regions through provision of accurate information and data on meteorology, climatology, and geophysics which are needed to develop reliable and measurable mitigation. Use artificial intelligence (AI), big data, assimilation of in-situ data, technology high performance computing, social engineering technology, and creative ways to build awareness, build resilience, build public participation.
Third, promote sustainable education systems on disasters. Provide dissemination, education, and advocacy. Capacity and resilience of climate change adaptation and mitigation must be improved to get people in responding to disaster potentials swiftly.
We must give farmers and fishermen, who are vulnerable to the impact of climate change, thorough understanding. We must improve their knowledge so they can adapt to the climate change, maintain their productivity to sustain our food security.
Fifth, strengthen collaboration with related parties. Build resilience through the involvement of various sides, inter-ministerial/agency collaboration, collaboration with private sector and social organizations, and other national elements to improve adaptation and mitigation to climate change.
Last, I would like to remind you that Indonesia will host the 7th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in May. I hope the upcoming international event will demonstrate the world that Indonesia is one of the best centers of knowledge for disaster risk reduction, including mitigation of geo and hydrometeorology disasters.
That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion. I wish all workers at BMKG a happy 72nd anniversary of the World Meteorological Day. Improve contribution of the BMKG for the sake of people’s safety and nation’s advancement.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(RAS/HD/EP)