BMKG Enhances Disaster Knowledge Among the Younger Generation
The North Sumatra provincial government (Pemprov) commends the efforts of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG)—specifically the BMKG Region I Center—to strengthen disaster knowledge and foster a culture of risk awareness among the younger generation through the BMKG Quiz Competition (LCC) 2026.
This appreciation was expressed by the Deputy Governor of North Sumatra, Surya, following the award ceremony for the winners of the BMKG LCC 2026 for high schools (SMA/MA/SMK/equivalent) in North Sumatra. The semi-finals and finals took place at the BMKG Region I Center in Medan (located at Jalan Ngumban Surbakti II No. 15).
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Surya emphasized that disaster education is a crucial investment in developing resilient and adaptive human resources capable of facing various disaster threats.
“Indonesia, including North Sumatra province, is a region highly vulnerable to various natural disasters. Therefore, fostering a culture of disaster awareness must begin at school age by enhancing knowledge, preparedness, and scientific literacy,” he said.
According to Surya, the BMKG’s consistent educational programs for students represent a strategic step toward introducing the sciences of meteorology, climatology, and geophysics, while simultaneously shaping a younger generation that cares about the environment and disaster preparedness.
He believes that the BMKG Quiz Competition is not merely an academic contest but also a learning platform that fosters critical thinking, strengthens collaboration, and improves preparedness for various potential disasters.
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“This competition is not just about who wins. What matters more is fostering a passion for learning, scientific thinking, environmental awareness, and the willingness to become a driver of change in society,” he said.
Surya also encouraged all educational institutions to continue cultivating a culture of disaster awareness within their schools. In his view, schools should be safe, resilient environments that nurture students who not only excel academically but also care about their own safety and the environment.
He emphasized the North Sumatra provincial government’s commitment to continuously strengthening synergy with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), district and municipal governments, the education sector, and all stakeholders to enhance community capacity in dealing with disasters.
Nelly Florida Riama, Deputy Director for Geophysics at the BMKG, expressed her gratitude to the North Sumatra provincial government, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs for their support in organizing the event.
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She explained that the competition’s primary goal was to increase students’ knowledge of meteorology, climatology, geophysics, and disaster management. She noted that this understanding is crucial, given that North Sumatra is a disaster-prone region, susceptible to both hydrometeorological events and earthquakes.
“I am proud of the participants’ skills. Knowledge regarding weather, climate, earthquakes, and disaster management is crucial for better preparing the community for various potential disasters. Although not everyone will win, I hope the knowledge gained can be shared with the community,” she said.
Nelly hopes that the regional government, together with all stakeholders, will continue to improve preparedness and response capabilities regarding various potential disasters.
Meanwhile, Hendro Nugroho, Head of the BMKG Region I Medan Center, stated that the competition is part of an initiative to enhance students’ knowledge of the BMKG’s roles and functions as well as disaster management, in preparation for the younger generation.
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According to Hendro, 194 schools from all districts and cities in North Sumatra participated in the competition this year. The contest consisted of three stages: an online preliminary round, followed by an in-person semi-final and final, featuring the top eight teams.
The winners of the BMKG LCC 2026 for high schools (SMA/MA/SMK/equivalent) in North Sumatra were: First place: SMA Negeri 2 Balige; Second place: SMA Negeri 1 Matauli Pandan; Third place: SMA Negeri 1 Laguboti; and Fourth place: SMA Negeri 1 Sidikalang.
Also in attendance were the Head of the North Sumatra Communication and Information Agency, represented by the Head of Public Information and Communication, Porman Mahulae; the Head of the North Sumatra Social Services Agency, Ady Putra Parlaungan; and the Head of the North Sumatra National Unity and Politics Agency, Mulyono. ***rel
