The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged the public to remain vigilant about potential extreme weather, which could lead to hydrometeorological disasters, especially from December 13–22, 2024.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has also highlighted the risks of transportation accidents during the extreme weather conditions expected over the Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 travel season.
“People must plan their trips carefully to prevent transport accidents caused by bad weather. Whether traveling by air or sea, risk mitigation is essential,” AHY emphasized on Monday evening (December 16), as reported by AntaraNews.
Increased Travel During Holiday Season
The Ministry of Transportation predicts a surge in travel activity during the Christmas and New Year holidays, with an estimated 110.67 million movements, a 2.8% increase compared to last year’s 107 million.
“The Ministry has ensured that all transportation facilities and infrastructure are ready to support the 2024/2025 holiday season,” said Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi.
Task Forces and Risk Mitigation
AHY further stated that the year-end period often faces challenges from extreme weather that can disrupt land, sea, and air transport. “We need an effective early warning system,” he said.
“There must be task forces prepared to handle emergencies, whether for rescue operations or post-incident management,” AHY added.
Jasa Raharja’s Director of Compliance and Risk Management, Harwan Muldidarmawan, stressed the importance of risk inventory based on previous years’ experiences.
“Travelers must monitor traffic updates and weather conditions to ensure safe and comfortable journeys,” he noted in a release on Monday, December 16, 2024 in Jakarta, quoted Investor.id.
Harwan also highlighted the risks posed by reduced visibility caused by smoke from nearby land-burning activities or road conditions on steep slopes. Preventive measures are necessary to minimize accidents.
To enhance safety during the Christmas and New Year’s “Operation Lilin” Jasa Raharja has deployed 2,000 personnel across Indonesia, monitored traffic accident data online, and coordinated actively with the Traffic Communication Forum.
They’ve also:
- Set up 20 integrated service posts
- Provided 635 road safety signs
- Supplied mobile safety units in 102 branches
- Established digital command posts
Additionally, Jasa Raharja and the National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) hosted a Tactical Floor Game (TFG) to align strategies among police units and stakeholders for effective collaboration.
Evolving Challenges Each Year
Despite being an annual agenda, holiday challenges evolve every year, said National Police Traffic Corps Chief Inspector General Aan Suhanan.
“Potential issues in arterial, toll, and tourist routes, particularly accident-prone and disaster-vulnerable areas, have been mitigated. The same applies to ferry crossings and airports, ensuring optimal safety measures ” Aan assured.
Extreme Weather in East Java, Bali, and Papua Disrupt Air Travel
BMKG’s Juanda Meteorology Station reported that East Java is currently experiencing the peak of the rainy season. Head of BMKG Juanda, Taufiq Hermawan, explained that atmospheric phenomena like Kelvin, Equatorial Rossby, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) contribute to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Warm sea temperatures near East Java enhance moisture supply, while the indirect effects of tropical cyclone seeds in the Indian Ocean also exacerbate weather conditions.
“The public and related agencies must remain alert to extreme weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the next week can cause potential landslides and flash floods in mountainous regions with steep terrain.,” Taufiq urged, as reported by Madiun Today.
Meanwhile In Bali, heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves have affected almost all areas. According to the Bali Regional Disaster Management Agency, these conditions are expected to persist until the end of December 2024.
The extreme weather has disrupted air travel, with 19 domestic and international flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport either delayed or rerouted in recent days (CNN Indonesia).
In Ambon, similar conditions led to the cancellation of two Batik Air flights at Pattimura Airport on Tuesday (December 17).
While the government hopes for smooth operations, AHY stressed the need for comprehensive preparedness.
“All parties must collaborate to ensure readiness and maintain safety during this holiday period,” he concluded.
Sources: AntaraNews, Investor.id, Madiun Today, CNN Indonesia, KabarNusa, baliexpat.com, Malukuterkini.com
Image credit: Brett Sayles (pexels.com)
