MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Government of North Sumatra Province has expressed its appreciation for the initiative of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), particularly the BMKG Region I Medan Main Office, in continuously strengthening disaster literacy and fostering a culture of risk awareness among the younger generation through the 2026 BMKG Smart Competition (Lomba Cerdas Cermat/LCC).
The appreciation was conveyed by North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya during the award ceremony for the winners of the 2026 LCC BMKG competition for SMA/MA/SMK and equivalent educational institutions across North Sumatra. The semifinal and final rounds were held at the BMKG Region I Medan Main Office, located at Jalan Ngumban Surbakti II No. 15, Medan, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Surya emphasized that disaster education plays an important role in creating human resources that are resilient, adaptive, and prepared to face various potential hazards. Considering Indonesia's geographical conditions, including North Sumatra, he said communities must develop a comprehensive understanding of disaster risks from an early age, particularly during the school years.
"Indonesia, including North Sumatra Province, is among the regions with a high vulnerability to various natural disasters. Therefore, a culture of risk awareness must be built from the school environment by improving knowledge, preparedness, and scientific understanding," Surya said.
Building Young Generation's Awareness of Disaster Risks
Surya explained that BMKG's continuous educational programs for students represent a strategic effort to introduce knowledge of meteorology, climatology, and geophysics to young people. The program also contributes to developing students' character as environmentally conscious individuals who are prepared to respond to potential disasters.
He stated that LCC BMKG is not merely an academic competition but also serves as a learning platform that encourages participants to develop critical thinking skills, strengthen teamwork, and improve preparedness for various disaster threats.
"This competition is not solely about determining who wins first place. More importantly, it is about increasing interest in learning, developing scientific thinking abilities, strengthening environmental awareness, and preparing students to become agents of change in society," he said.
Surya also encouraged all educational institutions in North Sumatra to continue developing a culture of disaster literacy within schools. Schools should become safe and resilient environments that not only support students academically but also strengthen awareness of personal and community safety.
He reaffirmed that the North Sumatra Provincial Government will continue to intensify cooperation with BMKG, district and city governments, educational institutions, and various stakeholders to improve community capacity in dealing with disaster risks.
RECOGNIZING PARTICIPANTS' ACHIEVEMENTS AT LCC BMKG 2026: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya, appreciates the abilities of LCC BMKG 2026 participants in understanding weather, climate, earthquakes, and disaster mitigation. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
BMKG Strengthens Meteorology Knowledge and Disaster Preparedness
BMKG Deputy Head of Geophysics Division Nelly Florida Riama expressed her appreciation to the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the Education Office, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs for their support in organizing LCC BMKG 2026.
Nelly explained that the event aims to expand students' understanding of meteorology, climatology, geophysics, and
disaster mitigation efforts. This knowledge is especially important because North Sumatra is among the regions facing various potential natural hazards, ranging from hydrometeorological disasters to earthquakes.
"I am proud to see the abilities of the participants. Knowledge about weather, climate, earthquakes, and disaster mitigation is very important so that communities can be better prepared for potential hazards. Although not all participants can become winners, we hope they will share the knowledge they have gained with the wider community," she said.
Nelly expressed hope that regional governments, together with all stakeholders, would continue improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities across North Sumatra.
HIGH PARTICIPATION RATE: Head of BMKG Region I Medan Main Office Hendro Nugroho explains that LCC BMKG 2026 was attended by 194 schools from all districts and cities in North Sumatra to improve students' disaster knowledge. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office)
194 Schools Participate in
LCC BMKG 2026Head of BMKG Region I Medan Main Office Hendro Nugroho explained that LCC BMKG 2026 is part of efforts to increase students' understanding of BMKG's duties and functions while emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness as a fundamental skill for the younger generation.
According to Hendro, this year's competition attracted significant interest. A total of 194 schools from all districts and cities in North Sumatra participated. The competition was conducted in three stages: an online preliminary round, followed by onsite semifinal and final rounds involving the eight best teams.
Hendro expressed hope that the event would help create a generation with strong disaster preparedness knowledge and the ability to spread positive information about disaster mitigation within society.
In the
LCC BMKG 2026 competition for SMA/MA/SMK and equivalent educational institutions in North Sumatra, SMA Negeri 2 Balige won first place. SMA Negeri 1 Matauli Pandan secured second place, SMA Negeri 1 Laguboti achieved third place, while SMA Negeri 1 Sidikalang finished fourth.
The event was also attended by the Head of the North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office, represented by Head of Information and Public Communication Division Porman Mahulae; Head of the North Sumatra Social Affairs Office Ady Putra Parlaungan; and Head of the North Sumatra National Unity and Politics Agency Mulyono. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala