Jakarta – The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warns that Indonesia is facing serious threats due to climate change getting out of control. According to the Head of BMKG, Dwikorita Karnawati, the impact of climate change is expected to trigger a decline in food production, with the potential for rice production to fall by millions of tons.
During the commemoration of the 74th World Meteorological Day in Jakarta, Karnawati highlighted the importance of concrete actions to overcome the impacts of climate change.
“We must unite to take concrete steps in tackling the impacts of climate change. Human life and social stability are threatened, and conflicts that disrupt security, economic, and political stability can also trigger them,” he said in an official statement.
One of the impacts highlighted is the decline in rice production, with estimates based on data from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
She explained, “Climate change can potentially reduce Indonesia’s rice production by 1.13 million tons to 1.89 million tons. In addition, 2,256 hectares of rice fields are also threatened by drought.”
Karnawati also highlighted the increasing prevalence of insufficient food consumption in Indonesia. “The prevalence rate of inadequate food consumption in 2022 increased to 10.21% from 8.49% in 2021,” she added.
Furthermore, BMKG emphasized that taking the threat of climate change seriously is crucial. Without appropriate action, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) forecast of a global food crisis and famine by 2050 could become a frightening reality.
In this context, BMKG’s Deputy for Climatology, Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, highlights the urgent need for public awareness and implementation of an effective early warning system. “Climate change puts additional pressure on already scarce water resources and creates hotspots,” she said.
Nevertheless, Ardhasena emphasized that the transformation of climate change impact control must be prioritized.
“We hope that central and regional policymakers will increase their vigilance and implement an early warning system based on the latest science and technology,” he concluded. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Indonesian women winnowing rice in a padi field. Wikimedia Commons.
