CSDS Highlights Need for National Climate Data Center in Indonesia Amid Rising Extreme Weather Risks

The Center for Strategic Development Studies (CSDS) emphasizes the absence of a national climate data center in Indonesia dedicated to climate change, as extreme weather risks, including tropical cyclones, increase. Professor Erma Yuli Hastin from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) stated that Indonesia relies heavily on global data and models for assessing climate change risks due to this lack.

High-resolution climate projections are necessary for precise regional impact understanding. The forum discussed tropical cyclone Senyar, which caused flooding in parts of Sumatra, noting that indications of the cyclone's approach were detected days prior.

Although Senyar was not classified as a major storm, its impact was significant due to pre-existing extreme rainfall conditions. The forum also highlighted challenges in translating data and early warnings into effective preparedness actions, as early warning information often fails to effectively reach vulnerable communities. Strengthening national climate data infrastructure and inter-agency coordination was deemed essential for improving disaster risk reduction efforts.