Professor Teuku Faisal Fathani, a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), has officially been appointed as the Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), succeeding Professor Dwikorita Karnawati.
With over two decades of dedication to disaster research, Professor Fathani is widely recognized for his commitment to developing early warning systems for landslides and mitigating hydrometeorological disasters.
His appointment marks a new chapter for BMKG in strengthening its role amid increasingly complex challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
The inauguration marks a significant moment for Professor Fathani as he assumes leadership of this strategic national institution. He views his appointment not merely as an administrative position but as a scientific and social responsibility to safeguard the public.
According to him, leading BMKG requires striking a balance between scientific precision and human empathy.
“This appointment is not just a position, it is a calling to protect the nation from unseen threats such as extreme weather, earthquakes, tsunamis, and the increasingly evident impacts of climate change,” he stated on Wednesday (Nov. 5).
Outlining his strategic direction for BMKG, Professor Fathani emphasized the need for the agency to evolve into a more proactive and responsive institution.
He noted that the greatest challenge lies not only in managing data, but also in transforming it into actionable insights for the public. He also recognized the growing demand for timely, accurate, and easily understandable weather and disaster information.
“We are living in an era full of challenges. Climate change is accelerating the frequency and intensity of hydrometeorological disasters, while the public expects fast, accurate, and clear information,” the new chief explained.
For Professor Fathani, expanding the reach of information dissemination is a key priority to ensure BMKG’s presence extends to the grassroots level. He believes that effective public communication can save many lives in emergencies.
Alongside strengthening operational systems, he aims to ensure BMKG’s messages reach diverse segments of society.
“Our challenge is not only technical but also social and communicative about how we deliver life-saving information effectively to communities,” he said.
Professor Fathani views BMKG’s role as vital to realizing Indonesia Emas 2045, a vision of a resilient and sustainable Indonesia in the face of climate change and disaster risks. He underscored that preparedness must be integral to national sustainable development.
To this end, he is committed to strengthening community-based early warning systems and expanding public education on climate.
“We will strengthen community-based early warning systems, broaden climate education, and foster digital innovation,” he noted.
He further emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in enhancing climate resilience. Professor Fathani believes that partnerships among local governments, the media, academia, and civil society will accelerate the dissemination of information and raise public awareness. Such cooperation, he said, will build a responsive and adaptive national resilience network.
“We will forge cross-sector collaboration with academics, the media, local governments, and civil society,” he affirmed.
On the internal front, Professor Fathani also emphasized the need to improve human resource competencies and modernize operational equipment simultaneously. He stressed the importance of structured career development and governance that encourages innovation.
“We must cultivate a socio-entrepreneurial spirit in our management practices while enhancing public communication so that BMKG’s messages are easily understood and reach all levels of society,” he explained.
His colleagues at FT UGM describe him as a disciplined, resilient, and visionary leader with strong scientific and managerial capabilities. Professor Wahyu Wilopo praised him as a leader who balances firmness with empathy.
“His commitment and leadership are evident through numerous innovations recognized nationally and internationally,” said Professor Wilopo.
Professor M. Zudhy Irawan, from the Department of Civil Engineering, also described Professor Fathani as a firm, visionary, and results-oriented figure whose integrity and dedication were apparent during his tenure as Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UGM.
“His integrity and commitment to improving academic and research quality will make him a trusted leader capable of strengthening BMKG’s role and impact,” Professor Irawan remarked.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: BMKG