Indonesia’s DPR Calls for Study Before BMKG-Geological Agency Merger

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani has called for a comprehensive study before the government proceeds with a proposed merger of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Geological Agency.

Responding to the proposal raised by President Prabowo Subianto, Puan said the two institutions have different roles and functions. BMKG is responsible for meteorological, climatological and geophysical services, while the Geological Agency operates under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

“Therefore, it would be better to conduct a study first,” Puan said at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, stressing that any decision on the proposed merger should prioritize the public interest.

She nevertheless affirmed that the DPR would support the merger if the government concludes that integrating the two institutions would improve operational effectiveness.

Puan also said the legislature could approve the President’s proposal to increase budget allocations for the two agencies, provided that the additional resources were directed toward delivering greater benefits to the public.

Meanwhile, DPR Commission V Speaker Lasarus expressed stronger support for the proposed merger, saying that, in principle, he backed the government’s plan.

Lasarus said integrating BMKG and the Geological Agency could strengthen Indonesia’s disaster mitigation capabilities and improve coordination and communication between relevant institutions.

He noted that the Geological Agency monitors volcanic activity, while BMKG possesses instruments and expertise related to the impacts of volcanic eruptions, as well as equipment and human resources relevant to geophysical and geological matters.

“I agree with merging the two institutions,” Lasarus said.

However, he emphasized that personnel and administrative issues would need to be addressed before any merger could be implemented.

President Prabowo raised the possibility of integrating BMKG and the Geological Agency while chairing a meeting on the government’s ongoing response to recent natural disasters on Monday, September 8.

He said the proposal would be followed up through further discussions within the government.