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Dr. Joko Wiratmo, M.P., emphasized that public understanding of hydrometeorological disasters has not been adequate; therefore, awareness campaigns should be led by more competent parties, such as universities and various state institutions.

ITB lecturers also play an active role in developing technology and research related to weather prediction and hydrometeorological disaster mitigation. In this webinar, Dr. Joko Wiratmo discussed research about “The Impact of La Niña and La Niña Modoki on Rainfall Anomalies in Papua and Projections of Indonesia’s Agroclimatic Maps Until 2100.” Through this research, he underscored the importance of understanding rainfall patterns influenced by global climate phenomena to support agricultural planning and disaster mitigation strategies in Indonesia.

He explained that from 1990 to 2020, positive rainfall anomalies occurred in the Doberai Peninsula and the southern slopes of Papua’s Central Mountains during both La Niña and La Niña Modoki events. However, La Niña had a stronger impact, especially during the June-July-August (JJA) period, resulting in a significant increase in rainfall. Topographic effects also played a role in rainfall distribution due to these two phenomena.

“These changes indicate the need for an adaptation strategy by the government and local communities, especially through the selection of appropriate planting calendars,” he said.

Understanding these rainfall patterns is important in helping the agricultural sector adapt to climate change. Agroclimate maps serve as a strategic prediction tool for farmers in selecting crop varieties, planting schedules, and irrigation systems to decrease the risk of crop failure. Adaptation strategies such as the implementation of data-driven agricultural technology, drought-resistant crops, as well as commodity diversification are crucial to maintaining food security.

Meanwhile, Dr. Plato Martuani Siregar, S.Si., M.Si., an ITB meteorology lecturer, discussed the application of the WRF-Hydro model in simulating maximum flood discharge, which can potentially help the regional government in flood prediction and risk management. He stressed the importance of establishing faster and synchronized early warning systems across Indonesia.

“Heavy rainfall in this area is influenced by orographic lifting due to the existence of Mount Lubuk Raya and Sibualbuali, along with interactions with cold fronts to the south and north of Lubuk Raya,” he explained.

As a result of these phenomena, flooding became an annually recurring event. Which is why prediction models such as WRF Hydro to mitigate risk and enhance preparedness for future floods are needed.

Through such research, ITB not only serves as a center of education, but also as a forefront of innovation in weather and climate modeling to improve public resilience to hydrometeorological disasters.

Reporter: Mely Anggrini (Meteorology, 2022)
Translator: Senandung Shauma Bidadari (Management, 2026)