Scientist: Great Storm Coming to Jakarta on 28 December 2022

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - A scientist from the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) sends a grim warning of a storm approaching. A great storm is predicted to wreak havoc in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek) on 28 December 2022. 

The storm is coming from the Indian Ocean. The storm will particularly affect Tangerang region in Banten Province which is situated in the west of Jakarta.

"A potential of Jabodetabek's great flood. Any of you who lives in Jabodetabek, and especially Tangerang or Banten, please be ready for extreme rain and great storm on 28 December 2022," said Erma Yulihastin, climatologist at the Center for Climate and Atmosphere at BRIN. 

The storm would inevitably affect Jakarta's transportation which is already suffering from traffic congestion, meanwhile the rails of the Jabodetabek's commuter trains could also be submerged.

Erma sends her warning on Twitter, and she also provides elaboration about this storm. The terms flood, storm, and extreme weather are becoming trending topic in Indonesia on Tuesday night.

The storm is predicted to begin from afternoon till night. Furthermore, she also warns that the storm may affect as far as Cilegon city in the westernmost part of Java Island. The Merak Port which connects Java to Sumatera is located in Cilegon.

Erma explains that the storm will be "long-lasting" due to the "supply of continuous humidity" from the squall line from sea to land. When the squall line of the storm is crossing the Sunda Strait, it can create a storm that will be enlarged above Jabodetabek area.

Jalan "tol hujan" dari laut ke darat mulai terbentuk pagi ini (27/12) dari pukul 03.00 WIB. Tol hujan ini bernama badai squall line di laut (Samudra Pasifik) yang bergabung dengan badai konvektif skala meso (MCC) yang terbentuk di darat dengan inti badai di atas wilayah Banten. pic.twitter.com/5b8jBD9wgH

— Dr. Erma Yulihastin (@EYulihastin) December 26, 2022

The acting Governor of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, has asked the private companies to apply Work From Home (WFH) during the storm. Governor Heru said the WFH policy would be more beneficial. 

"To avoid traffic jam, disasters, disuse, and others," said Governor Heru.

Furthermore, Governor Heru cited the advice from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) about the importance of avoiding risks. He then asked the private companies so that they could adjust to WFH. 

As for the government officials, Governor Heru said the WFH policy could be applied partially. The officials who need to directly handle the public should still come to the office. 

The Jakartan government also considers the weather modification if the meteorological condition is getting extreme. 

"The provincial government of DKI Jakarta is working together with National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), BRIN, and Indonesian Air Force to discuss the possibility of weather modification if there is extreme weather in Jakarta," said Isnawa Adji, Head of BPBD in Jakarta.

Winda Nelfira contributed to this report.