President Joko Widodo demanded that the BMKG to develop a good relationship with regional administrations

News24xx.com -  President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo demanded that the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to develop a good relationship with regional administrations and to be firm with them such as giving them a warning if they are planning to build a project in disaster-prone areas.

“Please tell them the fact so that every construction project is referred to [BMKG reports],” said the President during the agency national meeting in State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 23.

The agency was urged to notify regional heads about areas susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

The former governor of Jakarta pinned hope there would be no more construction project on potentially dangerous areas following good coordination between BMKG and regional administrations.

“Be firm. Tell them assertively. So we will not recur a mistake [by building huge residential complex] where there is a clear line of tectonic plates [that may cause quakes].”

Indonesia, he added, is one of the most disaster-prone countries as it lays on the ring of fire. Therefore, aside from educating the public about disaster mitigation, a national and regional policy must be sensitive and anticipative toward disaster vulnerability.

According to Jokowi, the risk of a disaster can be lessened should there is an early warning issuance. However, the most vital thing is the sensitivity and quick response from both the authority and technology used.

 

 

 

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