Acting Head of BMKG, Dwikorita Karnawati, said here on Friday that the S-Band weather radar is currently being installed in Jeruklegi Sub-District and is expected to be fully operational by early 2026.
The radar will observe weather conditions in real time within a radius of up to 400 kilometers.
“This radar can provide updates every 10 minutes, allowing early detection of extreme weather events such as heavy rain, strong winds, and storms. We hope this will better protect fishermen and the public on land,” she said.
Because the radar will provide data every 10 minutes, early warnings can be issued one to three hours before extreme weather occurs.
Karnawati highlighted the importance of installing the radar in Cilacap, noting that southern Central Java is not covered by existing radars in Semarang and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
“Almost all areas of Central Java have potential for hydrometeorological disasters. Installing the radar in Cilacap strengthens the regional monitoring and early warning network,” she said.
She added that Cilacap is strategically important due to key industries such as Pertamina and a cement factory that require protection.
Novita Wijayanti, a member of Commission V of the House of Representatives, praised BMKG’s initiative. She emphasized that the weather radar is essential for the largest district in Central Java.
“We hope this sophisticated tool can be used optimally and that the information it provides will be highly accurate, ensuring public safety,” Wijayanti said.
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Translator: Sumarwoto, Katriana
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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