Indonesia Eyes Merging Key Agencies to Bolster Disaster Response
President Prabowo Subianto plans to merge Indonesia's BMKG and the Geological Agency to improve coordination and response to volcanic and seismic events.
JAKARTA — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for the consolidation of the nation's weather and geological monitoring agencies as part of a major overhaul to improve disaster response. The proposal, aimed at merging the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) with the Geological Agency, has secured formal backing from the House of Representatives’ Commission V.
Lasarus, chairman of the parliamentary commission overseeing infrastructure and transportation, confirmed the legislature's support following discussions on the president's initiative. "We support this in principle," Lasarus stated at the parliament building on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. He emphasized that unifying the two bodies would eliminate bureaucratic friction and accelerate critical decision-making during emergencies.
The move addresses the realities of Indonesia's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active volcanic and seismic zone. Currently, the Geological Agency monitors volcanic activity, while the BMKG manages atmospheric data and the technical instruments needed to analyze the fallout of eruptions. Lasarus noted that these agencies already share significant operational territory. By centralizing resources, the government aims to create a more cohesive chain of command.
Streamlining Crisis Management
The urgency for reform stems from recent volcanic activity across the archipelago, including incidents in North Sumatra, East Java, and Halmahera. President Prabowo first introduced the plan during a cabinet meeting on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, held via video conference from the Merdeka Palace. He stressed that while current mitigation efforts have been substantial, the frequency of geological hazards requires a more integrated approach.
"Because we are in the Ring of Fire, we must be prepared. We are constantly monitoring eruptions in North Sumatra, East Java, and Halmahera," President Prabowo stated during the briefing. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the existing disaster monitoring infrastructure, leaving the door open for a structural merger.
The proposal presents a complex administrative challenge. Currently, the Geological Agency operates under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, whereas the BMKG functions as an independent, non-ministerial government institution. Lawmakers have acknowledged that shifting personnel and administrative boundaries will be a significant task.
Focus on Operational Efficacy
Despite the potential for bureaucratic turbulence, officials maintain that the focus remains entirely on operational speed. Lasarus indicated that the parliament is prepared to leave the technical implementation details—such as which ministry will ultimately house the merged entity—to the executive branch, provided the result enhances public safety.
"It is an administrative matter, but from an operational perspective, it is both effective and efficient regarding communication," Lasarus said. He added that the overlap in data collection and field equipment between the two agencies makes the integration a logical progression for the country's early warning systems. With the legislative branch signaling its intent to fast-track the supporting frameworks, the government is expected to begin formalizing the transition process in the coming months.
