The Indonesian Bureau of Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) and the Indonesian Navy’s Center for Hydrography and Oceanography (Pushidrosal) have officially solidified a strategic partnership to optimize the use of meteorological and oceanographic data. This collaborative initiative aims to provide more comprehensive and precise maritime information services to support the nation’s aquatic interests. During a coordination meeting held at the Pushidrosal Office in Jakarta on Thursday (May 7, 2026), both institutions committed to synchronizing their technological resources to bolster national defense and public safety across the Indonesian archipelago.
Head of BMKG, Teuku Faisal Fathani, emphasized that as the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia faces unique challenges regarding sea conditions and climate stability. Consequently, providing high-quality data through integrated maritime weather intelligence systems has become a fundamental pillar for supporting maritime mobility. These enhanced services do not only target the economic sector but also encompass vital aspects of disaster mitigation and maritime security, which are essential for maintaining sovereignty in coastal areas and international shipping lanes.
“Mengingat Indonesia adalah negara kepulauan, kami bertekad untuk terus meningkatkan layanan informasi cuaca maritim demi mendukung keselamatan pelayaran, keamanan maritim, mitigasi bencana, serta keselamatan pertahanan nasional,” Faisal stated.
Advancing Impact-Based Forecasting and Technological Infrastructure
Faisal further revealed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has shown profound interest in the modernization of the infrastructure managed by BMKG. A primary focus of the current administration is the reinforcement of advanced early warning systems capable of predicting specific disaster impacts. By utilizing integrated maritime weather intelligence systems, the government hopes to build a more independent data ecosystem, ensuring that extreme weather shifts in marine territories are mapped with higher accuracy and faster response times.
While BMKG currently utilizes international satellite networks through the WMO, such as Japan’s Himawari system, strengthening local weather radar across strategic regions remains a top priority. This is crucial for filling information gaps that global satellites might overlook. This infrastructure upgrade will eventually support the implementation of Impact-Based Forecasting, a predictive method that provides a realistic overview of potential losses or risks that the public might face due to specific weather conditions in their respective regions.
Through this impact-based approach, the public will no longer just receive raw data about potential rain or strong winds, but also specific early warnings regarding the physical risks involved. Data coordination with Pushidrosal is vital in this regard to validate the hydrological and oceanographic models used in these predictions. Consequently, the information disseminated becomes more practical and easily understood by both local fishermen and large vessel operators navigating Indonesian waters.
“Ke depan, BMKG tidak hanya menyampaikan prakiraan hujan lebat, tetapi juga dampaknya, misalnya apakah berpotensi memicu longsor atau banjir pesisir. Untuk mewujudkan hal itu, data-data dari Pushidrosal sangat penting bagi BMKG,” he added.
Weather Modification and Enhancing Maritime Safety Literacy
Beyond data processing, this collaboration touches upon operational aspects through Weather Modification Operations (WMO), which have proven effective in managing extreme weather risks. BMKG routinely performs weather interventions at major ferry crossings to ensure the smooth flow of logistics and passenger transport between islands remains safe. The success of integrated maritime weather intelligence systems in mapping potential rain clouds significantly assists field teams in determining precise cloud seeding coordinates to secure national strategic shipping routes.
“Menjelang musim kemarau, BMKG juga mendapat tugas mendukung pengisian debit bendungan melalui operasi hujan buatan di berbagai wilayah Indonesia,” he noted regarding the broader scope of their duties.
The information technology sector is also being strengthened through the development of the INA-WIS application, which is now being integrated with the Indonesian Navy’s shipping lane systems. This application provides real-time data on ocean currents, wave heights, and recommendations for the safest routes to navigate. This data synergy allows for much more transparent and reliable information services, enabling maritime industry players to achieve operational efficiency while minimizing the risk of accidents caused by unpredictable natural factors.
Community empowerment in coastal areas is also a key agenda through the Fisherman Weather Field School and the Climate Field School programs. BMKG has invited Pushidrosal officials to participate as instructors to provide education on navigation and understanding sea conditions to the participants. With a better grasp of integrated maritime weather intelligence systems, fishermen are expected to increase their catch productivity while maintaining strict safety procedures while at sea.
“Kami berharap Pushidrosal dapat ikut mendukung kegiatan sekolah lapang sebagai narasumber maupun trainer agar edukasi kemaritiman dan keselamatan pesisir semakin luas dipahami masyarakat,” Faisal explained.
Vice Admiral Dr. Budi Purwanto, Commander of Pushidrosal, expressed his full support for this integration, particularly regarding disaster algorithm modeling. He emphasized that accurate meteorological data significantly assists the Navy in carrying out humanitarian missions and defense operations, especially in areas prone to underwater geological threats. This collaboration represents a tangible form of non-military defense that Indonesia urgently needs to face the increasingly visible impacts of global climate change.
“Kami banyak memanfaatkan data meteorologi BMKG untuk mendukung pemodelan algoritma bencana yang akurat. Kolaborasi ini sangat penting, seperti yang pernah dilakukan dalam pemetaan longsoran bawah laut pemicu tsunami di Palu,” he concluded.
This integration is expected to continue evolving alongside future digital technological advancements. With full government support and solid cross-institutional cooperation, Indonesia’s maritime information services are projected to become some of the best in the regional landscape. This will not only improve the nation’s positive image internationally but, most importantly, provide a guarantee of safety and comfort for the millions of Indonesians who rely on the maritime sector for their daily lives.
