Jakarta (ANTARA) – Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani emphasized the need for a study before deciding on the discourse of merging the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) with the Geological Agency.
Responding to the notion floated by President Prabowo Subianto, she underscored that BMKG and the Geological Agency, which operates under the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, have distinct roles and functions.
“Therefore, it would be better to conduct a study first,” Puan remarked at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, stressing that any decision surrounding the discourse must take into account the public interest.
Even so, she ensured that DPR would support the planned merger if the government deems it necessary to enhance operational effectiveness.
Puan also said the legislature may approve the president’s plan to increase budget allocations for the two agencies, reiterating the need to orient the move toward the greater good.
“However, it is mandatory to make sure that it will deliver greater benefits,” said the House speaker.
Speaker of DPR Commission V Lasarus separately on Tuesday conveyed a more straightforward statement regarding the merger, saying that his side “in principle is supportive” of the planned move.
He expressed belief that integrating BMKG and the Geological Agency could help strengthen Indonesia’s disaster mitigation capacity and bolster institutional communication.
“The Geological Agency observes volcanic activities. BMKG has instruments related to eruption impacts, as well as equipment and human resources relevant to geology. I agree with merging the two institutions,” the legislator said.
Nonetheless, Lasarus stressed that the government must first address personnel and administrative matters before proceeding with the merger.
President Prabowo highlighted the potential integration of BMKG and the Geological Agency while chairing a meeting on the ongoing response to recent natural disasters on Monday (Sept. 8).
He said the government would follow up on the discourse in future talks.
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Translator: Bagus Ahmad, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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