Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has called on regional governments to increase preparedness for potential flooding and extreme weather as Indonesia transitions from the dry season to the rainy season.

Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated here on Monday that heavy rainfall during this transitional period could trigger hydrometeorological disasters.

“Since late August through September, most regions have entered the season transition. This phenomenon is often marked by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds,” he said.

According to forecasts from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the 2025/2026 rainy season is expected to be generally normal.

However, certain areas, such as West Java, parts of Central Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, may experience above-normal rainfall.

BMKG has projected heavy rains on September 12-14 in Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta. From September 15 to 18, heavy downpours are expected in Central and East Java.

Muhari stressed the importance of long-term mitigation efforts to reduce flood risks, including the cleaning of primary and secondary drainage systems and the normalization of shallow rivers.

“Preparedness should not rely solely on emergency operations but must be integrated before a disaster occurs,” he noted.

BNPB, in coordination with BMKG, has prepared weather modification operations to reduce rainfall in vulnerable areas, including East Java and West Java.

The public is also urged to maintain environmental cleanliness, avoid littering in rivers, and actively participate in community efforts to prevent flooding.

Previously, BMKG emphasized the need for simulation exercises and audits of local early warning responses to extreme weather to ensure mitigation measures are functioning effectively ahead of the peak rainy season.

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