Shaping or Being Shaped. Indonesian Future in the Face of Changes in Precipitation Patterns

Indonesia, an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia, is known for its abundant rainfall and humid climate.

The country is located in a region of the world where the equatorial trade winds meet, resulting in high precipitation levels. However, with the advent of climate change, the country is experiencing variations in precipitation patterns, which have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and the overall economy. In recent years, the country has witnessed a decline in rainfall in some regions and an increase in others, resulting in various environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

One of the most significant changes observed in Indonesia's precipitation patterns is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events. According to a study published in the Journal of Hydrometeorology, extreme rainfall events have increased by 30% over the past three decades in Indonesia. This trend is particularly evident in the western part of the country, where rainfall intensity has increased by up to 50% in some regions.

These changes in precipitation patterns have a significant impact on agriculture, which is the backbone of Indonesia's economy. Droughts can damage crops, reduce yields, and impact food security, while excessive rainfall can cause floods and landslides, destroying crops and disrupting transportation routes. This can lead to food shortages, price hikes, and increased poverty levels, particularly in rural areas. 
 
Moreover, the variations in precipitation patterns also affect the country's water resources. With droughts becoming more frequent, water availability becomes scarce, leading to water scarcity and decreased water quality. In contrast, heavy rainfall can cause flooding, which can damage water infrastructure, spread diseases, and contaminate water sources. This has significant implications for public health, particularly in areas that lack access to clean water. 
 
In addition to the impacts on water resources and agriculture, the changing precipitation patterns in Indonesia also have significant ecological impacts. For example, the rising frequency of extreme rainfall events can cause soil erosion, which can damage ecosystems and reduce the quality of water resources. Moreover, drought conditions can cause forest fires, which can lead to the loss of biodiversity and the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
 
Furthermore, heavy rainfall and drought also hinder school activities, resulting in many children being absent from school and putting their futures at risk. Children's futures are one of many futures that are being shaped by climate change and need to be urgently addressed. Indonesia must get moving and be the shaper instead.
 
References:

• Kirono, D. G. C., Kent, D. M., Jones, D. A., & Hennessy, K. J. (2016). Climate variability and trends in regional extreme precipitation daily observations in Southeast Asia. Journal of Hydrometeorology, 17(11), 2791-2809.
• Widiastuti, E., Nurhati, I. S., Setiawan, Y., & Aldrian, E. (2019). Trends and variability of rainfall in eastern Indonesia. Journal of Climate, 32(17), 5521-5534.
• Firth, L. B., et al. (2020). Marine plastic pollution and climate change: impacts on marine biota and ecosystem services. Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 17, 1-7.