Severe flooding and landslides have impacted parts of Indonesia, particularly sumatra and Central java, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. Recent events highlight indonesia’s vulnerability to these disasters during the rainy season.
Indonesia’s Vulnerability to Floods and Landslides
Table of Contents
Indonesia is highly susceptible to frequent flooding and landslides due to a combination of seasonal rainfall, high tides, and its unique geographical characteristics as a vast archipelago. The rainy season, typically occurring from October to April, brings torrential downpours that saturate the soil, increasing the risk of landslides, especially in hilly and mountainous regions.High tides exacerbate flooding in coastal areas.
According to the Indonesian agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), Indonesia experiences an average of 1,500-2,000 millimeters of rainfall annually, with significant regional variations.
Recent Disaster Events (2024-2025)
In late 2024, floods and landslides across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia’s Sumatra island, caused over 1,300 deaths, as reported by authorities. This event underscores the devastating impact of extreme weather events in the region.
Further,in January 2025,more than 20 people were killed in floods and landslides in Central Java province following heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that over 12,000 people were displaced in Central Java due to these events. BNPB official report on Purworejo floods and landslides (January 2025) details the scale of the displacement.
Geographical Factors and Risk Areas
Indonesia, comprised of over 17,000 islands, presents a complex geographical landscape that contributes to its disaster risk. Steep slopes, deforestation, and inadequate drainage systems amplify the impact of heavy rainfall. Areas with high population density in vulnerable zones are particularly at risk.
provinces consistently identified as high-risk areas include:
- West Java: Prone to landslides due to steep terrain and high population density.
- Central Java: Frequently affected by floods and landslides during the rainy season.
- East Java: Susceptible to both flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
- Sumatra: Experiences widespread flooding and landslides, as evidenced by the late 2024 disaster.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral resources is actively mapping landslide-prone areas to improve risk assessment and mitigation efforts. Ministry of ESDM report on landslide mapping provides details on this initiative.
Disaster Management and Mitigation Efforts
The Indonesian government, through BNPB, is actively involved in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. Efforts include early warning systems, evacuation planning, and infrastructure progress to reduce vulnerability. However, challenges remain in reaching remote communities and ensuring effective coordination between different agencies.
BNPB has allocated significant resources to disaster management, including the procurement of equipment and training of personnel. In 2024, the BNPB budget for disaster management was approximately IDR 5 trillion (approximately USD 320 million). BNPB report on 2024 disaster management budget details the allocation of funds.
