Jakarta — Indonesia is stepping up efforts to improve the speed and accuracy of weather prediction systems, with the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) introducing an artificial intelligence-based platform designed to automate space weather forecasting.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 12, BRIN said the system, known as the Space Weather Intelligent Forecasting System (SWx AI), aims to address longstanding challenges in space weather services, which remain largely manual.
Space weather services are still carried out manually, a time-consuming process, and the results of the analysis can vary, said Tiar Dani, a senior researcher at BRIN’s Space Research Center. He noted that analysts currently have to interpret complex datasets, modelling results and solar observation images separately.
“SWx AI is designed to be more resistant to misinformation or ‘AI hallucinations’ by limiting the data analysed to a specific time frame—for example, the last 24 to 72 hours—and by using clearly defined rules to predict and analyse space conditions in Indonesia,” said Tiar.
This new system utilises artificial intelligence, specifically large language models or LLMs, to automatically collect and process the latest data, interpret forecasting results, and analyse satellite imagery without the need for constant human intervention.
Space weather, driven by solar activity, can disrupt satellite operations, communications, GPS systems, and even electricity networks, making timely and reliable forecasts increasingly critical as Indonesia’s digital and infrastructure systems expand.
BRIN said the SWx AI platform is expected to function as a faster and more efficient early warning system, supporting researchers, policymakers, and the broader public. The system is integrated into the Space Weather Information and Forecast Services (SWIFtS) framework and was introduced during a research colloquium hosted by the agency on May 13.
Efforts to improve forecasting are receiving high-level political attention. President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the need to strengthen early warning systems and has queried the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on priority needs, including the potential development of a national weather satellite.
Government pushes stronger weather forecasting
BRIN’s move reflects a broader push by the government to strengthen forecasting capabilities across sectors. Separately, BMKG is working to improve the accuracy of maritime weather services through closer data integration with the Navy’s hydro-oceanographic centre, Pushidrosal.
BMKG head Teuku Faisal Fathani said on Thursday, May 7, that enhancing maritime weather information is essential for Indonesia as an archipelagic state, particularly to support shipping safety, disaster mitigation, and national security.
BMKG is also advancing impact-based forecasting, which links weather predictions to potential real-world consequences, such as floods or landslides, rather than reporting meteorological conditions alone.
Despite having access to international satellite networks, BMKG said Indonesia still needs to expand its domestic radar infrastructure and integrate meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data to enhance prediction accuracy, particularly in coastal and shipping areas.
Together, the initiatives by BRIN and BMKG signal a coordinated effort to modernise Indonesia’s weather and climate intelligence systems — from outer space to maritime domains — as the country seeks to build more responsive and reliable early warning capabilities. (nsh)
Banner photo: Zelch Csaba/Pexels.com
