THE Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the establishment of a Maritime Meteorology Station in Natuna, Riau Islands. One of its goals is to ensure the safety of fishermen in Indonesia’s outermost waters.
The Natuna Maritime Meteorology Station Technical Implementation Unit Office was established in Lingkar Ranai, Puak, Ranai Kota Village, East Bunguran District, Natuna, which was inaugurated on July 31, 2024.
Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday (⅜), said that the Maritime Meteorology Station plays a major role in observing, managing data, analyzing marine weather forecasts to ensure the safety of fishermen in Natuna and other outermost areas.
“We have equipped this station with the latest sophisticated maritime radar and weather radar equipment to detect the dynamics of waves and ocean currents,” he said.
BMKG considers the equipment important for the safety of fishermen whose daily lives depend on sea conditions. Moreover, he said, Natuna in 2023 had experienced a maritime disaster due to Borneo Vortex or tropical storm seeds caused by rising sea surface temperatures.
“The safety of fishermen must be guaranteed. Most importantly, if fishermen are safe, it will ultimately bring prosperity to all parties because it encourages the economy to run well,” he said.
Also read: Tropical Cyclone Saudel Triggers High Waves in Indonesian Waters
Natuna Regent Wan Siswandi said that the grant of 10,697 square meters of land given to BMKG was a manifestation of the local government’s commitment to provide optimal services in terms of maritime disaster mitigation to the community, especially those who work as fishermen.
This, he said, is because maritime disaster mitigation can only be achieved with accurate weather information supported by adequate equipment or facilities so that public safety and the wheels of the community’s economy run well.
“So this collaboration can continue to be strengthened for the welfare and safety of the Natuna community because our fishermen need a lot of information,” he said. (Ant/H-3)
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