BNPB Head Military Lt. Gen. Suharyanto has drawn attention to the potential for wet and dry hydrometeorological disasters during the homecoming period.
"Based on coordination meeting results, we have found that some disasters, such as floods, landslides, and extreme weather events, would potentially serve as tough challenges," Suhartono noted in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday (April 7).
During the Coordination Meeting on Readiness for Eid al-Fitr that took place at the Police Headquarters, Jakarta, on Thursday (April 6), Suhartono also pointed out the possibility of forest and land fires in several provinces, with Riau and Jambi having set an emergency alert status.
"The BNPB will provide ground firefighting equipment and personnel," he remarked.
Additionally, Suhartono revealed that as many as 13 patrol helicopters and 33 water bombing helicopters will be dispatched to the six priority provinces of Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
The BNPB, along with related institutions, will conduct disaster mitigation measures by utilizing Weather Modification Technology (TMC).
"The TMC could be used to decrease and increase rainfall according to disaster management. Additionally, it could be helpful to bring rain and extinguish the fire and even help prevent floods and landslides," he noted.
For the next step, the BNPB is preparing disaster-prone maps for Java, Bali, and Sumatra to enable people to arrange their mudik plans accordingly.
"We will issue disaster-prone maps regarding floods, landslides, and extreme weather events in Java, Bali, and Sumatra," Suharyanto affirmed.
"To oversee the homecoming flow at points where travelers may potentially gather, the BNPB will also join forces with related parties, including ministries and regional governments," he stated.
Suharyanto expressed hope that the prepared measures would ensure safety and comfort to the people joining the homecoming to gather with their beloved ones in their hometowns.
"Hopefully, this year's mudik will run smoothly and that people will be free from any disasters," he remarked.
The coordination meeting was held in a hybrid format and attended by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, National Police Chief, National Armed Forces Commander, related ministers and vice ministers, and other institutions leaders, including those of the regional police.
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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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