*As originally published in Meteorological Technology International April 2025 Issue here.
In a country with over 17,000 islands, highly variable weather patterns, and a population near 300 million, accurate and accessible meteorological communication is essential. Over the years, Indonesia’s national meteorological agency, Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG), has continuously evolved its technological capabilities. Its latest step forward has been the integration of Baron Lynx into its forecasting and broadcast communication.
A Longstanding Partnership
BMKG’s collaboration with Baron has spanned more than 20 years, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to improving meteorological accuracy and public safety. With the support of Baron’s in-country representative, Sibakom, BMKG has built a robust network of C-band weather radars and sophisticated atmospheric and ocean modeling systems. These technologies form the backbone of BMKG’s forecasting infrastructure, but it is the new implementation of Baron Lynx that is revolutionizing how BMKG presents and shares critical weather information with the public.
BMKG’s ability to provide timely and accurate forecasts is essential for public safety, especially in a country where the maritime industry plays a vital role and severe weather events like heavy rainfall, flooding, and tropical storms are common occurrences. By leveraging Baron’s advanced meteorological tools, BMKG has significantly improved its capacity to detect and track severe weather conditions, reducing the risk to vulnerable assets and communities. This effort aligns with Indonesia’s broader mission of increasing resilience to climate-related disasters and enhancing the effectiveness of its early warning systems.
Transforming Weather Communication with Baron Lynx
As digital media consumption grows, BMKG has recognized the need for a more engaging and visually compelling way to present its forecasts. The agency has started using Baron Lynx to produce broadcast-style weather reports for its YouTube channel, significantly enhancing the way it delivers critical weather information to millions of Indonesians.
Baron Lynx enables BMKG meteorologists to create dynamic and interactive weather presentations that are more accessible and visually appealing. With intuitive templates, advanced animations, and hand-tracking techniques, BMKG has been able to elevate its forecasts into engaging, easy-to-understand presentations.
One of the key advantages of Baron Lynx is its ability to localize forecasts. “We have many islands in Indonesia, and with Lynx, we can pop up the island to localize the forecast, allowing viewers to see their local area,” said Priscilla Deliana, a member of BMKG’s production team. This capability is crucial in a country where weather conditions can vary drastically from one region to another, ensuring that citizens receive the most relevant and precise information for their location.
Engaging the Public with a Modernized Approach
The shift to Baron Lynx has already had a profound impact. BMKG’s YouTube channel, which produces daily weather forecasts, has seen an increase in engagement since integrating the system. Johannes Agung Kristomo, a BMKG meteorologist, shared his observations: “These improvements have increased our YouTube viewers. My friends have told me that they are interested in the new design for weather forecasting, and viewers say it is easier to understand the information we give them. We can also use our hand with the hand-tracking tool to highlight the weather we want, making it more engaging.”
Eko Listiaji, another BMKG forecaster, emphasized the advantages of Baron Lynx’s visualization capabilities: “With Lynx, we can improve the visualization; it is more dynamic. We can create simple yet effective animations, use templates to combine information, and quickly produce high-quality videos.” The intuitive user interface allows BMKG meteorologists to easily assemble professional-grade weather forecasts, reducing production time while increasing the quality of content.
BMKG’s meteorologists have also noted that the improved visualization tools provided by Lynx have allowed them to tell a more compelling weather story. The incorporation of 3D animations, hand-tracking technology, and interactive elements ensures that weather forecasts are not only informative but also engaging for viewers. The improved clarity of weather information allows the public to better prepare for incoming weather conditions, enhancing public safety and awareness.
Backed by Baron’s Advanced Radar and Modeling
While Baron Lynx is at the forefront of BMKG’s communication revolution, it is supported by an extensive network of radars, including Baron C-band radars and sophisticated atmospheric and ocean modeling. The latest installation of the Baron GEN3 dual-polarization radar in Surabaya marks a significant advancement in Indonesia's radar network. Supported by experienced engineers and equipped with robust data processing capabilities, it guarantees reliable weather radar data at all times. This state-of-the-art radar will provide invaluable insights for the densely populated region in eastern Java, where accurate weather information is paramount.
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In addition to the high-quality observational data provided by the radar network, Baron Coupled Atmospheric Marine Model, developed as part of the MMS1 project, also provides high-resolution forecasting capabilities that are critical for maritime and severe weather predictions.
BMKG is also in the process of expanding its modeling capabilities with the upcoming MMS2 project, which will further enhance the accuracy of Indonesia’s weather predictions. These improvements will feed directly into BMKG’s broadcast operations, providing forecasters with the latest data to deliver timely and precise weather updates to the public. The ability to integrate this data seamlessly into Baron Lynx ensures that BMKG’s weather communication remains at the forefront.
Indonesia’s vast maritime region makes ocean modeling particularly important. The development of high-resolution ocean models has helped BMKG improve forecasting for fishermen, shipping industries, and coastal communities that rely heavily on accurate maritime weather predictions. By utilizing Baron’s modeling technology, BMKG is enhancing safety and efficiency for those who depend on Indonesia’s waterways and oceans.
Future Developments: Tropical Forecast Center
BMKG is taking significant steps to modernize its weather forecasting and disaster preparedness efforts. As part of this initiative, the agency is developing a dedicated Tropical Forecast Center, modeled after the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Baron’s technology will play a crucial role in supporting this facility, providing advanced forecasting tools and communication solutions that will enhance BMKG’s ability to track and predict tropical storms and severe weather events.
Priscilla highlighted the importance of these advancements: “With Lynx, we can attract more people to watch our forecasts. The visualization is very good, and we can show radar or maps of specific locations. This is essential for a country like Indonesia, where localized weather updates are critical.”
A New Era for Weather Communication in Indonesia
The integration of Baron Lynx into BMKG’s communication strategy marks a transformative moment for Indonesia’s meteorological services. By leveraging cutting-edge visualization and broadcast tools, BMKG is not only enhancing public engagement but also ensuring that vital weather information reaches as many people as possible. Combined with Baron’s radar and modeling advancements, BMKG is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of forecasting in one of the world’s most complex meteorological environments.
As BMKG continues to expand its capabilities, its partnership with Baron and Sibakom remains essential. Together, we are setting a new standard for meteorological communication in Indonesia—one that is dynamic, accessible, and potentially lifesaving. With ongoing advancements in modeling, forecasting, and public engagement, BMKG is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of meteorology in Indonesia and beyond.
