How Indonesia's Climate Change is Unveiled Through Temperature and Rainfall Patterns
In a recent development, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has shed light on the country's climate change journey through long-term monitoring of temperature and rainfall. The agency's climatology deputy, Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, revealed that climate observations in various Indonesian regions have been ongoing since the 19th century, with some areas dating back to the 1860s.
The most striking indicator of climate change in Indonesia, according to BMKG, is the steady rise in air temperature since the late 1860s. This trend is evident across all regions, with urban areas like Jakarta and Surabaya experiencing higher temperature increases compared to non-urban regions. The agency's records show that 2024 was the hottest year in Indonesia's climate history.
Climate change is also evident in rainfall patterns. In the southern equatorial region, rainfall variations are observed, while surrounding equatorial areas tend to have stable rainfall trends. BMKG's long-term observations revealed that 2024 was the hottest year in Indonesia's climate records.
Despite the influence of La Nina, which is expected to moderate temperatures in 2026, BMKG predicts that the average temperature will not surpass that of 2024. However, the Earth's climate system is still warming cumulatively. Ardhasena emphasized the need to anticipate gradual and sustained temperature and humidity increases, as these changes will impact humans and ecosystems.
BMKG also highlighted the potential for extreme weather events, such as heatwaves in the northern hemisphere, where temperatures can reach 45-46 degrees Celsius. While Indonesia is not currently expected to experience such heatwaves, the agency remains vigilant. The dynamic atmospheric conditions in Indonesia tend to inhibit heatwave entry, but the potential for gradual warming and its impacts on the country's ecosystems and human populations cannot be overlooked.
In conclusion, Indonesia's climate change story is revealed through temperature and rainfall patterns, with BMKG's long-term monitoring providing valuable insights into the country's climate trajectory.
